winning agent for 19 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years.
Opportunity of a lifetime to own this spectacular Lake Forest estate, spanning over 5.27 acres with 570 feet of Lake Michigan frontage! After four years of construction, incorporating everything the most discerning buyer would expect in new construction, this estate was completed in 2019. Featuring a protected cove beach, boat launches, a fabulous pool, spa, boathouse, Christopher Peacock kitchen, 5 en-suite bedrooms, an elevator, theater, amazing wine cellar, luxurious spa room, and garage space for 22 cars, this home is the epitome of luxury living! Drive through the gated southern entrance to the boathouse or use the opulent historic monumental marble fountain and limestone staircase from the original Harold F. and Edith Rockefeller McCormick estate. This magnificent home boasts 10,000 SF of living space above grade, 5,000 SF of exquisitely finished lower-level space and 7,200 SF of garage space for 22 cars for serious collectors, with elevator access to all 4 levels. As you enter the grounds of this breathtaking estate, the circular drive leads to the stone forecourt w/ two 3-car garages and a driveway to the lower level 16-car garage, all w/ snow melt systems. This stone and brick home has a slate roof w/ custom copper gutters & downspouts, Marvin windows & doors, high ceilings, designer lighting, smart house technology, geothermal heating and cooling w/ radiant heat floors on all 4 levels, state-of-the-art features, and breathtaking lake views. Absolute perfection!
205 N SAVANNA COURT LAKE FOREST
4 BEDS, 4.2 BATHS // $3,449,000
Built in 1999, this stunning 7,700 SF modern masterpiece by renowned architect Tony Grunsfeld sits on 1.41 private acres with breathtaking views of nature & gardens. Adjacent to Open Lands and Middlefork Trails near Elawa Farm, this home offers a seamless blend of thoughtful design and artistry. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing, it features high ceilings, sunlit rooms, iconic floor-to-ceiling windows, travertine floors, skylights, and sophisticated details throughout. Move in and enjoy spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the beautifully designed grounds by Scott Byron.
111 N MAYFLOWER ROAD LAKE FOREST
7 BEDS, 6.1 BATHS // $7,000,000
This historic lakefront home sitting on over 4 acres of land offers 300 feet of lakefront on coveted Mayflower Road. Built in 1914, the brick residence features 7 bedrooms, 6.1 bathrooms, 6 fireplaces, and original millwork across three floors, with high ceilings and vintage details. The gourmet kitchen boasts commercial-grade appliances and two Butler’s pantries, while all rooms offer amazing Lake Michigan views.
NEW LISTING
922 OAK KNOLL DRIVE LAKE FOREST
6 BEDS, 5.3 BATHS // $3,350,000
This stunning, custom-built 2013 luxury home by Legacy Builders sits on 2.45 acres and offers over 9,000 SF of living space across 3 levels. Features include white oak hardwood floors, 10' ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, bright office, large mudroom, workout room, theater, Generac partial house generator, and Creston controls system.
$2,100,000
Attention developers and horse enthusiasts, Steeplechase Stables is a working equestrian center on 21.9 acres in the Steeple Chase community, with 3 one-acre home sites on N. Turf Hill Dr ready for development. The owners have established relationships with boarding and riding providers.
GET PREMIER WITH PREMIER CHECKING
1. Early Pay. Early Pay allows eligible direct deposits for consumer accounts to be credited to your account up to 2 days early. Early availability is not guaranteed and is determined based on receipt of payer information and standard fraud prevention monitoring. Direct deposit is a payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization via electronic deposit, but does not include teller/ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers, digital banking/ telephone transfers between accounts at Wintrust Financial Corporation (‘WTFC’), external transfers from accounts at other financial institutions, peer-to-peer network payments like Zelle® or Venmo, or debit card transfers & deposits. 2. Premier Checking Fees. $25 monthly maintenance fee – waived with either i) average daily balance of $10,000, or ii) combined average relationship balance of $75,000 per monthly statement cycle. Relationship balances include owned consumer checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit including retirement and MaxSafe® deposits held directly with the same charter bank. Fees may reduce earnings. 3. ATM Fees. No WTFC transaction charge at ATMs in the Allpoint, ATM Access (Town Bank customers only), MoneyPass, or Sum networks. Banks outside the network may impose ATM surcharges. Surcharge fees assessed by owners of ATMs outside the network will be reimbursed. Reimbursement excludes 1.10% International Service fee for certain foreign transactions conducted outside the continental U.S. 4. Bank Specialty Checks. Style & quantity restrictions apply. 5. Interest Rate Bonus. Must have a common account owner on both the Statement Savings Advanced account(s) and the Premier Checking account(s) with the same charter. Both accounts must remain open and maintain a common account owner to receive the interest rate bonus. Rate increase is effective the next business day after the second account is opened. 6. Premier Checking Bonus Information. Offer valid for accounts opened 2/1/24 – 7/31/25. Offer not available to existing or closed checking account customers of WTFC & its subsidiaries or employees. Limit 1 bonus payment per customer, regardless of number of accounts opened; may only be received from 1 WTFC location. Offer combinable with any WTFC savings offer. Bonus payment subject to IRS 1099-INT reporting & may be considered income for tax purposes. 7. Premier Checking Bonus Qualifications. (i) Open new Premier Checking account; (ii) mention offer during in-branch account opening, visit URL provided, or enter Echecking300 when applying online; (iii) have direct deposits totaling at least $500 per month made to the new account for 2 consecutive calendar months after the calendar month the new account was opened (‘Qualification Period’); & (iv) enroll in online banking & e-statements within the Qualification Period. Your account opening date is the business day that we open your account. If your account is opened on a non-business day (weekends and federal holidays), your account opening date is the next business day. Direct deposit is a payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization via electronic
or remote deposits, wire transfers, digital
peer-to-peer network payments like Zelle® or Venmo, or
Mike Golden & Thad Wong
GROW WITH LFOLA
Over 900 acres | 10 nature preserves | 20+ miles of trails
Join Lake Forest Open Lands today and explore all year long. See you down the trail!
Outstanding Land Opportunities!
LOT 9 WHITEHALL LANE | LAKE FOREST
Lot 9 Whitehall Lane features an expansive 1.64 acres and spans 71,438 square feet, making it an optimal place to build your custom home. Lot 9 partially abuts LF Open Lands on the west side, has a high elevation with a gentle slope that provides a uniquely broad south-facing rear yard. In total, Whitehall Meadows is a 15-acre cul-de-sac setting. The natural surroundings are sublime, and offer the utmost in privacy and access to LF Open Lands. ** Select your own architect/builder or call me to discuss already approved plans.**
OFFERED AT $895,000
Extraordinary opportunity to own a 4.9-acre parcel with woods, open prairie and wetlands! Enjoy the 936 sq ft brick home as it is, or build your dream home on this stunning nature filled site. Horses are allowed; riding trails nearby!
OFFERED AT $429,000
39983 N BECK ROAD | LAKE VILLA
Located just a few blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan, this custom-designed Mid-Century Modern home is a true masterpiece. Renowned interior designer Soledad Zitzewitz has transformed this residence, bringing a refined Mid-Century Manhattan Chic aesthetic to the heart of the Midwest. Primarily designed as a sprawling ranch, this home offers unparalleled convenience with the primary bedroom retreat and expansive living spaces all on the main level. The meticulously selected designer furnishings, tailored specifically for this home, are available for negotiation as part of the sale.
THE HEALTHIER WAY TO A BEAUTIFUL SMILE
FEATURES
GATSBY GIRLS
As F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel, The Great Gatsby, marks its 100th anniversary, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff is presenting Behind The Glamour.
HER HEART RUNNETH OVER Lake Forest’s Annie McAveeney’s labor of love—Fill A Heart 4 Kids—celebrates 10 years of serving the state’s most vulnerable children.
FROM A DAY DREAM TO LATE NIGHT DREAMERS
Sisters Alex Peck and Taylor Boardman make a dream come true, together launching Late Night Dreamers—a Lake Bluff-based company
in bamboo pajamas.
DEPARTMENTS
EDITOR’S
Gaby Lozano Griffith wears Dolce & Gabbana from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
Styling by Theresa DeMaria
Sisters and Late Night Dreamers founders, Alex Peck and Taylor Boardman, wearing Carolina Herrera and La Ligna respectively, both from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
Photography by Katrina Wittkamp
Styling by Theresa DeMaria
Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest
Photography by Katrina Wittkamp
Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest
Editor’s Note
One thing I love about our community is its commitment to maintaining its own history. From the Infant Welfare Society’s bi-annual revitalization of a historic property for the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens (I can’t wait for April), to the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation’s annual awards (see About Town for info), we take great pains to preserve our properties—and, by extension, our stories.
This month, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff unveils “Behind the Glamour: Inside (and Outside) F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Lake Forest.” A century ago, Fitzgerald penned what would become one of America’s most celebrated novels—The Great Gatsby—drawing inspiration from the very streets we call home. In Gatsby Girls, we explore the remarkable story of Ginevra King, a Lake Forest debutante whose romance with Fitzgerald helped shape one of literature’s most enigmatic characters.
In On Exhibit, we give an overview of the Driehaus Museum’s latest showing, A Tale of Today: Materialities, which was masterfully curated by Lake Forest resident, Dr. Giovanni Aloi. The exhibit invites visitors to look beyond the Nickerson Mansion’s renowned Gilded Age grandeur to discover the hidden stories within its magnificent materials.
While we honor our past, we also celebrate those making a difference today. For the last decade, Annie McAveeney has poured her energy into Fill A Heart 4 Kids, touching the lives of countless children across Illinois. Read about this Lake Forest-based charity and McAveeney’s unwavering dedication in Her Heart Runneth Over
Speaking of modern-day visionaries, sisters Alex Peck and Taylor Boardman have woven
their entrepreneurial dreams into reality with Late Night Dreamers, a Lake Bluff-based bamboo pajama company. We chronicle their journey in From a Day Dream to Late Night Dreamers. In The Portrait, we meet our cover girl, Gaby Lozano Griffith— an entrepreneur, blogger, foodie, and community volunteer. Griffith inspires with her list of accomplishments and gives us food for thought with her travel and North Shore suggestions.
Finally, in The Last Word, we celebrate longtime firefighter Andy Rick as he moves into his new role as Chief of the Lake Forest Fire Department. Get to know this local hero in The Last Word.
Here’s wishing you a wonderful start to spring. Happy reading!
ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief
@forest&bluffmag erin@jwcmedia.com
Behind the Glamour curator, Carol Summerfield, at the historic Lake Forest home of socialite Ginevra King
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MONICA KASS ROGERS, BILL MCLEAN, JANIS MVK, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER
PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINDA LEWIS
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
NATALIE PHILLIPS
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ABDON LOERA, SAM SUAREZ
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS KEN CARL, LAUREN ELIZABETH, MONICA KASS ROGERS, IAN MCLEOD, MARIA PONCE, ROBIN SUBAR, WIDIA VITI, KATRINA WITTKAMP
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR TOM BACHTELL
ADVERTISING SALES JENNIFER STURGEON, GRETCHEN BARNARD
ADVISORY COUNCIL PIM ALLEY, WHITLEY BOUMA HERBERT, KATE HOLLAND, BROOKE TAGLIAFERRO
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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
Annie McAveeney and her daughters, Ellorie and Lilly McAveeney, celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Fill A Heart 4 Kids.
BEST DRESSED Are you hunting for a head-turning prom look, a long white dress for eighth grade graduation, or just something fabulous for summer parties? Visit Lillie Alexander’s Special Occasion Shop this month for racks of gorgeous dresses from For Love & Lemons, Sau Lee, Retrofete, Cara Cara, Staud, Saloni, and more. The boutique’s styling team and in-house seamstress will ensure that “almost perfect” becomes “absolutely perfect.” For the ultimate shopping experience, you’re invited to book a private party by texting 847-2958686. lilliealexanderboutique.com
The Good Life The Buzz
PEARL
JAM Forget everything you thought you knew about pearls. Spring’s hottest accessory trend isn’t your grandmother’s single strand (although this editor loves those too)—it’s a full-on pearlcore revolution. These lustrous gems are having their main character moment, showing up everywhere from modern, minimalist statement rings to edgy ear cuffs, and even pearl-studded combat boots. And, happily, we have a local expert to keep us on trend. Razny Jewelers’ collection of pearl jewelry proves that these classic stones can be both timeless and totally of-the-moment. razny.com
Retrofete’s Alana dress
Shy Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Lagos Luna Pearl Ring
Shy Creations Diamond and Pearl Huggies
For Love & Lemons Nara gown
For Love & Lemons Daisy gown
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About Town Amazing March
I AND YOU
WHEN: Through March 23
WHERE: Citadel Theatre
This extraordinary, touching play is written by Scott Shallenbarger, the same North Shore playwright who brought us Silent Sky last season.
Charming, mysterious, and poetic in the truest sense of the word, Lauren Gunderson’s I and You is a study of the beauty, the agony, and the mystery of the human connection. citadeltheatre.org
INDIA BLOOMS
WHEN: Through March 23
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
This year Chicago Botanic Garden’s The Orchid Show explores the vibrancy of India through blooming displays that echo the country’s diverse regions, landscapes, people, and cultures. Look for a blooming peacock, a colossal banyan tree, and 10,000 orchid blooms all inspired by the beauty of India. The Orchid Show transports you to a place where India’s rich cultures are felt in every bloom. chicagobotanic.org
ELAWA WINTER MARKET
WHEN: Through April 26
WHERE: Elawa Farm
Elawa Farm invites you to its Winter Market every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Winter Market highlights locally sourced produce and eggs from Elawa’s farm partners, along with specialty pantry items from small businesses. elawafarm.org
OSCAR SHORTS
WHEN: March 1
WHERE: Gorton Center
Gorton Center is proud to host the Oscar Shorts Films in its beautiful John & Nancy Hughes Theater on March 1, between 1 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. This special release features the year’s most spectacular short films. Each nominee is released in one of three distinct feature-length compilations according to their category of nomination: Live Action, Animation, or Documentary. gortoncenter.org
GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO
WHEN: March 7
WHERE: Gorton Center
America’s original jazz dance company is back at Gorton Center on March 7 at 7:30 p.m. Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) ignites the stage with its trademark high-
energy performances that leave audiences breathless. As Chicago Tonight raves, “From the first moment GDC steps on stage, the audience knows this evening will be electric.” gortoncenter.org
LUNCHEON WITH AUTHOR CHRISTINA CLANCY
WHEN: March 7
WHERE: Froggy’s French Cafe
Join the Lake Forest Book Store for a luncheon and discussion with author Christina Clancy about her latest novel, The Snowbirds. Tickets are $75 and include lunch and a copy of Clancy’s new book. Please call (847) 234-4420 to reserve your spot. Space is limited. lakeforestbookstore.com
MOTHER-SON PANCAKES WITH THE POLICE
WHEN: March 8
WHERE: Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
Save the date for a sizzling morning of family fun. Watch your little heroes’ faces light up as they indulge in mouthwatering pancakes served with a side of courage. This police-themed event promises a delightful blend of delicious break-
O’Hare Irish Dance celebrates 20 years in Lake Bluff with a showcase on March 9. Photography by Katy Linde
ABOUT TOWN
fast treats and interactive activities that will strengthen the bond. Don’t miss this unforgettable, police-powered adventure! Please note that police officers may be called out during the event. lfrec.com
PRESERVATION AWARDS: WHAT MAKES A WINNER?
WHEN: March 9
WHERE: Gorton Center
Learn about the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation’s annual spring awards, including the five award categories and criteria for successful nomination. The information session will begin at 2 p.m. lfpf.or/preservation-awards
O’HARE IRISH DANCE SHOWCASE
WHEN: March 9
WHERE: Lake Forest Academy O’Hare Irish Dance celebrates 20 years in Lake Bluff. Their annual St. Patrick’s Day Showcase kicks off at 4 p.m. with traditional Irish music and dancing. Get your tickets at ohareirishdance.com
THE HISTORY OF ELVIS
WHEN: March 10
WHERE: Lake Forest Library
Join music historian Gary Wenstrup in person to trace the wild ride of Elvis, beginning with his explosion onto the scene in 1956 with his unique blend of rhythm & blues and country music. Admission is free, but registration requested. lakeforestlibrary.org/events
BOOK BITES: SPRING READS
WHEN: March 11
WHERE: Lake Forest Library
Register and join your Lake Forest librarians in person to discover your next favorite book. Enjoy a bite to eat while getting a bite-size preview of new and popular titles that are perfect for your spring break vacation or upcoming book club meeting. Attendees are entered in a drawing for a chance to win a copy of this year’s Read Between the Ravines title, Three Girls from Bronzeville by Dawn Turner. Admission is free, but registration requested. lakeforestlibrary.org/events
ULTIMATE QUEEN CELEBRATION
WHEN: March 15
WHERE: Gorton Center
Get ready for a night of rock royalty with The Ultimate Queen Celebration. Led by the incredible Yvan Pedneault—discovered by Queen’s own Brian May and Roger Taylor—this show is an unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest rock bands in history. gortoncenter.org
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY AND CÉILÍ
WHEN: March 16
WHERE: Gorton Center
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the whole family at the best party on the North Shore, hosted by the Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance Foundation in partnership with the Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme. Held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the event features live music from The Boils, dancing by the Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance, Guinness on tap, and a craft room for the kids. Admission is free but registration is required. fitzpatrickschoolofirishdance.com
DISCUSSION WITH AUTHOR LUCY HENDRICKS
WHEN: March 18
WHERE: Lake Forest Book Store
Join the Lake Forest Book Store on March 18 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an in-store discussion with author Lucy Hendricks about
her new book, 6 Weeks in Reno. Admission is free, but registration is required. Please call (847) 234-4420 to RSVP, space is limited. lakeforestbookstore.com
CHRISTIAN DILLINGHAM
WHEN: March 21
WHERE: Gorton Center
Renowned jazz bass player Christian Dillingham returns to Rendezvous Arts this season, bringing the highly anticipated music from his latest recording, Halcyon. Released last October, this album promises to be a masterpiece of modern jazz, with some of the finest talents in the jazz world joining Dillingham on this musical journey. gortoncenter.org
BEHIND THE GLAMOUR
WHEN: April 4 to October 4
WHERE: History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff
As F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby turns 100 in 2025, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff will launch a new exhibition, Behind the Glamour: Inside (and Outside) F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Lake Forest, celebrating this milestone. The exhibit begins with an Opening Night Reception on April 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and runs through October 4. lflbhistory.org
The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation will host an information session about its annual awards on March 9.
On Exhibit
Beyond Grandeur
Lake Forest curator unveils the hidden stories of the Driehaus Museum’s Gilded Age materials.
Lake Forest resident Dr. Giovanni Aloi, a renowned expert in art and environmental aesthetics, brings a fresh perspective to Chicago’s historic Driehaus Museum with A Tale of Today: Materialities, on view through April 27. As guest curator, Aloi invites visitors to look beyond the Nickerson Mansion’s renowned Gilded Age grandeur to discover the hidden stories within its magnificent materials.
Drawing on his expertise as founder of Antennae: The Journal of Nature in Visual Culture and his scholarship at institutions including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Aloi has assembled 14 Midwestern artists for this groundbreaking exhibition. Each artist has created site-specific works that respond to the mansion’s rich material palette—from exotic woods and imported marbles to coal and glass.
The exhibition reveals how these materials, which once showcased the Nickerson family’s wealth and taste, tell complex stories about global trade, ecological impact, and social progress. Through diverse mediums and perspectives, the featured works demonstrate that the true luxury of this historic mansion lies not just in its opulence, but in the fascinating narratives its materials continue to tell about our past and present.
A Tale of Today: Materialities runs through April 27 at the Driehaus Museum,50 East Erie Street, Chicago. driehausmuseum.org/exhibition/ materialities
Luftwerk, Konstellation, 2024
Bobbi Meier, Decorum, 2024
Exhibit Curator, Giovanni Aloi (2024)
Beth Lipman, Sphenophyllum and Chains, 2019
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The Good Life A Culinary Quest
Lake Forest mom Gaby
Lozano Griffeth reflects on how a passion for food and family inspired her blog, Poquio Mexico.
edited by Sherry Thomas photography by Katrina Wittcamp styling by Theresa DeMaria hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest
Gaby Lozano Griffeth moved to Chicago from Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2008 to pursue a BA in Hospitality at Kendall College, fueled by her love of the culinary arts. “I had the privilege of working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry,” says Griffeth, who now lives in Lake Forest with her husband, daughter, and two black labs. “But when my daughter, Charlotte, was born, I embraced the rewarding journey of motherhood and decided to step back from the professional scene.” That, however, did not stop her from continuing her passion for cooking and hospitality at home. During the pandemic, while navigating life at home with a toddler, she felt a deep need for a creative outlet, which led her to launch Poquio Mexico—a blog dedicated to sharing the rich beauty and culture of Mexico through the eyes of a local. “This project allowed me to reconnect with my roots and dive deeper into my true passion,” says Griffeth, adding that she has also become more engaged with the Lake Forest community. Among her pet projects locally is helping to promote her sister’s project, Puka Llama—a Peruvian company that creates handcrafted stuffed llamas and animals. She’s also recently ventured into the finance world, embracing a new professional challenge. This busy mom and foodie took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite North Shore things.
Favorite city you’ve visited so far? Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula. Favorite airport/travel hack? Compressions socks! Just do it. Most underrated ingredient when cooking? A good salt; they are not all made the same. Favorite Lake Forest restaurant? I am going to be in trouble with my family if I don’t say Chiefs. The Joe’s burger never fails. Best place to get away for the weekend? The St. Regis Chicago! Tre Dita is just unbelievable. Next stamps on your passport? Mexico, Ireland and Japan. Your go-to beverage? Matcha for life. Favorite food from your heritage? Mole, mole and mole. What is next on your bucket list? A culinary trip to Oaxaca. TV show you can’t stop bringing? Suits! Favorite spring escape? Key Biscayne Dish your whole family loves? Gaby’s famous lemon pepper salmon Oscar film you are rooting for this month? The Brutalist. Lake Forest’s best-kept secret is? The library, especially the kids section downstairs.
Puka Llama stuffed animals
Mole Tostada with Chapulines and Quelites from Oaxaca
Best place to get away for the weekend? The St. Regis Chicago! Tre Dita is just unbelievable.
Your go-to beverage? Matcha for life.
Favorite food from your heritage? Mole, mole and mole.
Favorite city you’ve visited so far? Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The P ortrait
Gaby Lozano Griffeth wears Tahari available at Bloomingdales.
1b
CLASSICS REIMAGINED
Delicately demure yet playfully reimagined, bow-tie blouses, peter pan collars, pleated skirts, and impeccably tailored car coats make a chic statement with subtle, subversive twists.
1a. Saint Laurent Peter Pan-Collar Polka-Dot Blouse, $1,445, bergdorfgoodman.com; 1b. Lauren Ralph Lauren DoubleBreasted Trench Coat, $381, farfetch.com
1a 2a 3a
MOTO CHIC
Maximalist Revival
This spring, designers embrace a ‘more is more’ aesthetic, with opulent brocade jackets, dazzling jeweled tops, and statementmaking dresses.
2b
This spring, the moto trend revs up with edgy leather jackets, sleek hardware details, and biker-inspired silhouettes, bringing a bold, rebellious energy to the season.
Spring runways flourished with vibrant floral prints, adorning every style of dress—from delicate, airy blossoms to a bold, mix-andmatch garden party of patterns.
3a. La DoubleJ La Comasca Floral-Print Trousers, $780, farfetch. com; 3b. Sandro Lavandou Maxi Shirtdress, $520, bloomingdales.com
3b
4a
PEARLS AND BEADS
4b 5b
This season, you don’t have to choose between your favorite pearls and beads. Instead, mix the two for a new take on the best pairing of the moment.
4a. Luna Cavier Link Bracelet, $375, razny. com; 4b. Sydney Evan Diamond Lucky Charm Mystic Rainbow Quartz Bead Bracelet, $750, neimanmarcus.com
BOUDOIR LACE
Lace takes center stage this season, transforming from delicate boudoir-inspired daywear to striking evening dresses in vibrant hues.
5a. Chloé Lace-Panel Top $1,454, prada. com; 5b. Giuseppe Di Morabito Satin Gown, $2,142, neimanmarcus.com
10a
SHEER GENIUS
Designers embrace full transparency, adding sheer panels and cutouts for sexy details done elegantly.
10a. Sans Faa Meghan Paneled Silk Blouse, $385, neimanmarcus. com; 10b. Sans Faa Meghan Paneled Silk Blouse, $385, neimanmarcus.com
9a
POWER PLAID
11b 9b
FRINGE
BENEFITS
11a
50 SHADES OF SAILOR STRIPES
High tides called for the best stripes—from Breton sweaters to novelty dresses to looks that lean fully in with head-to-toe lines.
11a. Manchester Pullover Sweater, $148, dudley-stephens. com; 11b. Hendrie Hoodie in Mariner Stripe and Seabreeze Short, Price Upon Request, dudley-stephens.com
Checks and plaids in unexpected colorways make these patterns feel new in jackets, tunics, and skirts alike.
9a. Free People Walk The Walk Plaid Mini Dress, $88, freepeople.com; 9b. No Pise La Grama Flora Plaid Split-Hem Skirt, $632, neimanmarcus.com
12a
Move and groove this spring with dancing, dangling tassels on every possible silhouette.
12a. Prada Fringed Rush-Stitch Midi Skirt, $2,950, prada.com; 12b. Simon Miller Albers Midi Dress, $417, farfetch.com
FOR THE FRILL OF IT
Angelic ruffles give movement to skirts and dresses with an airy and effortless drape.
8a. Marella Ketch Ruale Rosette Cotton Poplin Shirt, $295, neimanmarcus.com; 8b. Celia B Baba Voyager Short Dress, $318, farfetch.com
12b
SOFT DRESSING
The high-low trend reaches new heights with dramatic, forwardfacing hemlines cascading into elegant trains at the back.
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IRISH BARMBRACK
words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers
MAKES: 1, 9 X 5-INCH LOAF
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE WHISKEY-SOAKED FRUIT
• 1 ½ cups hot water steeped with 2 teabags of good Irish black tea
• ½ cup Irish whiskey
• ½ cup golden raisins, snipped or chopped in half
• ½ cup Thompson seedless (black) raisins, snipped or chopped in half
• ½ cup your choice of chopped dried cherries, dried cranberries, dried apricots, or dried pineapple, or a mixture of all of the above
• 2 cups bread flour, plus ¼ cup more for dusting work surface
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup superfine (caster) sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground clove
• ¼ tsp ground mace
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened, plus 1 Tbsp for greasing the loaf pan
• 2 cups soused f ruit from above
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up this month, it’s the perfect time to bake this beautiful barmbrack (bairin breac or “speckled loaf” in Gaelic) a fragrant Irish bread studded with whiskeyand-tea-soaked dried fruit. Although many of the barmbrack recipes circulating out there today are actually cakes (like date or banana breads) barmbrack was originally a yeasted bread. Our recipe sticks with that tradition and yields a fragrant, lightly sweet bread that’s very good eaten right out of the oven or toasted the next day and spread with plenty of Irish butter.
Interestingly, like Mardi Gras king cakes which come with good luck tokens hidden inside (coins, rings, plastic baby figurines), Irish barmbrack is also often baked with trinkets in it that follow Druidic fortune-telling traditions—coins for good fortune, thimbles predicting spinster or bachelorhood, beans portending poverty etc. We’ve kept our recipe trinket-free, figuring that the whiskey-soaked fruit is treasure enough.
INSTRUCTIONS
SOAK DRIED FRUIT Combine black tea with whisky in a medium bowl. Add all of the dried fruit and soak for 6 hours, or, overnight. Drain and squeeze liquid from soaked fruit and either discard liquid, or save it for another use (it’s delicious!) Set soaked fruit aside while you make the dough.
MAKE DOUGH Warm milk until quite warm but not hot and whisk with yeast in a small bowl. Place bowl in a warm spot to allow yeast to bloom. Once bloomed (takes about 10 minutes) whisk egg into the yeast/milk mixture. Set aside.
Whisk flour, superfine sugar, salt, and spice together. In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, add flour mixture plus butter and beat to incorporate the butter. Add reserved yeast/egg/milk mixture to the dry ingredients and continue beating until dough gathers up.
Remove ball of dough from bowl and place on floured work surface. Using your hands, smush the drained fruit into the dough ball and knead. Add a little more flour to work surface as needed until you have worked the dough into a smooth ball with the fruit studded throughout. Shape into a log. Grease the sides and bottom of the loaf pan with butter. Press dough into loaf pan and level. Loosely cover pan with greased plastic wrap. Place a clean kitchen towel over the top. Set loaf pan in a warm place. Allow dough to rise for about 2 hours or until nicely domed above the top over the loaf pan. With oven rack in center position, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake bread for 45 to 50 minutes until bread is deeply brown and sounds hollow when sharply tapped. Remove bread to a cooling rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve while warm, or toast the bread the next day and serve spread with Irish butter.
Understanding Divorce: Offering Empathy Over Judgment
words by Michone J. Riewer
photography by Katrina Wittkamp
styling by Theresa DeMaria
No one enters marriage expecting it to end. No one dreams of making the painful decision to divorce. Yet, for many, life doesn’t go according to plan. Marriages sometimes fail, often for reasons that aren’t visible to the outside world. As a divorce attorney, I see this pain up close. Unfortunately, those going through divorce often face not only personal heartbreak but also judgment from others.
“The
last thing anyone needs is more guilt or shame.”
Here’s an important truth: People marry with the best of intentions. They hope for a lifetime together. When someone seeks legal advice about divorce, it’s never a decision they’ve made lightly. In most cases, they’ve spent years trying to save their relationship. Despite their efforts, they have reached a point where,
to envision a happier future, they feel they must let go of the marriage.
Divorce is never as simple as it seems. Often, clients will give surface reasons at first, such as growing apart or falling out of love. But as their story unfolds, deeper struggles emerge—trauma, neglect, or years of emotional abuse. I’ve had clients who initially mentioned minor complaints, only to later reveal they’d endured tremendous pain for decades. Please don’t judge someone’s stated reasons for divorce.
In my experience, nearly all my clients have worked hard to avoid this outcome. They’ve tried counseling, self-help strategies, and heart-to-heart discussions. Divorce, for most, is a last resort. It’s a difficult and frightening step, but one they feel is necessary to move forward.
What makes this journey even harder is the criticism people often face. Divorce is already an emotional and financial challenge. The last thing anyone needs is more guilt or shame. As a community, we can do better. Please offer support and compassion to friends, family, and colleagues going through this process.
If someone you care about is getting divorced, be there for them. Listen without judgment. Offer a helping hand—whether it’s with childcare, errands, or simply sharing a meal. Let them know they aren’t alone. Small acts of kindness provide comfort during this overwhelming time. Compassion is free and so valuable.
Divorce is not the end of the story; for many, it’s the start of a new chapter. But in those early stages, when fear and uncertainty are at their peak, people need empathy and compassion. By offering your support, you can help them navigate the painful process and move toward a brighter future.
Two years from now, things will likely be much better for them. But today, your understanding could be the light they need most.
Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.
Michone J. Riewer
Luck Favors the Prepared (Mind).
While
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN. Build a stronger mental muscle with Neuro-Regenerative Training™ from Dr. E—and make your own luck.
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Wellness Is Your Brain Running You Off Course?
How mindset training can blaze a trail to peak performance.
words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo / photography by Katrina Wittkamp
Each month, Dr. E addresses your sports psychology challenges head-on.
Dear Dr. E.—
I want to compete in college track, and I need every edge I can get—especially if I want a scholarship. Would working with a sports psychologist help? How can I make the most of it?
—D1 Dreamer
Dear Dreamer—
I love where your head is—and good for you for chasing your dreams!
And you are absolutely right: when it comes to earning a spot (and scholarship) on a college team, physical ability gets you noticed, but mental strength sets you apart.
Coaches look for athletes who can handle pressure, bounce back from mistakes, take advice, and show up confidently on race day—which is exactly what a sports psychologist can help you do.
Working with one can:
• Strengthen confidence so you perform at your best when it matters most
• Stay focused under pressure (like during high stakes meets or recruitment)
• Handle setbacks with resilience instead of spiraling
• Maximize your training and performance by developing a strong mental routine
If scholarships are on your mind, remember: Your mental game is part of your athletic resume. The athletes who can stay cool, confident, and consistent have an edge when recruiters make tough calls.
I’ve worked with countless young athletes chasing big goals, and I can tell you this: Those who show up ready to tackle specific challenges, put strategies into practice, and commit to strengthening their mindset are the ones who break through and finish strong.
—Dr. E.
Dear Dr E.—
My child struggles with confidence and mental blocks on the field, and I think a sports psychologist could really help. But every time I bring it up, they shut me down. How can I encourage them to give it a try?
—Trying to Break Through Dear Trying—
If there’s one universal truth about parenting teens, it’s this: The harder we push, the harder they push back. Even when we have their best interests at heart, they often need to feel like the decision is theirs and not ours.
The best way to introduce sports psychology isn’t by convincing them they need it; it’s by helping them see it as a tool for athletes who want to level up. Instead of highlighting where they are falling short, focus on their growth and potential.
1. Make it about their goals. Instead of saying, “I think you need this” ask, “What’s one thing that would make competing more fun or less stressful for you?” If they name confidence, focus, or handling pressure, a sports psychologist can help them fine-tune those skills. (Re-read my response to D1 Dreamer, above:)
2. Show them who else uses it. Many top college teams and pro athletes credit their success to working on their mindset. At the highest levels, mental training is what separates the good from the great.
3. Let them test-drive it. Resistance fades when the stakes are low. Instead of booking a full commitment, suggest they check out a video, listen to a podcast, or have a low-pressure first session where they can ask questions, see if it’s a fit, and test out some of the advice. (And maybe watch an episode or two of Ted Lasso. Love that Dr. Sharon!)
At the end of the day, you can’t force buy-in, but you can plant the seed. Keep the conversation open and trust that when they’re ready, they’ll take that next step.
—Dr. E.
Want support for your athlete? Visit EleVive.com.
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
CHICAGO WINDOW GUYS
Customized window and door solutions that go above and beyond.
words by Janis MVK / photography provided by Chicago Window Guys
Throughout the greater Chicago area, where architectural beauty meets extreme weather challenges, homeowners turn to Chicago Window Guys for reliable window and door solutions. Founded more than a decade ago by Russ Armstrong, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, energyefficient products and exceptional service at competitive prices.
Chicago Window Guys’ dedication to personalized service sets them apart from others in the industry. From the initial consultation to the final installation, the team ensures that each project aligns with the homeowner’s vision and needs. They offer a wide array of products, including double-hung windows, casement windows, bay windows, and custom designs, all handcrafted in the USA with high-performance materials. “Our windows feature fully customizable hardware recessed into the frame for a modern appearance and state-of-the-art functionality,” says Armstrong. “We offer countless design possibilities and colors, and our design team is ready to take notes on everything you need. Whether you want to add more natural light into your home with brand new skylights or invest in residential security products, our team of experts can deliver exactly what you need.”
Their doors range from elegant French styles to robust modern steel entry options, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences and security requirements. “We offer a large selection of colors, styles, and high-quality materials for exterior doors for your home,” says Armstrong. “Our team of knowledgeable experts will help you select the best door for your home. Whether it’s fiberglass doors, a collection of patio doors, wood entry doors for an elegant touch, fiberglass entry doors for enhanced security, or composite entry doors for improved energy
efficiency, we provide tailored solutions to match every preference and requirement.”
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of their offerings. In a city known for its harsh winters and hot summers, Chicago Window Guys provides solutions that enhance home comfort and reduce energy costs. Their windows feature fully customizable hardware recessed into the frame for a modern appearance and state-ofthe-art functionality. With countless design possibilities and colors, their design team is ready to tailor products to each client’s unique style.
The company’s service area spans the entire Chicago region, including suburbs like Arlington Heights, Naperville, and Evanston. Their comprehensive approach encompasses sales, installation, and post-installation support, ensuring a seamless experience for homeowners.
Chicago Window Guys is committed to quality, honesty, and prioritizing customers. With years of experience, they help homeowners find the right windows and doors, whether for better energy efficiency or a fresh look. By working directly with the owner and keeping everything local—no subcontractors—they deliver topnotch products and expert installations at up to half the cost of big national brands. Better quality, better service, and a better warranty, all at a price that’s hard to beat.
Chicago Window Guys, 847-512-3472, chicagowindowguy.com, @chicagowindowguys.
Russ Armstrong
GATSBY GIRLS
As F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel, The Great Gatsby, marks its 100th anniversary, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff is presenting Behind The Glamour, an eight-month exhibit that showcases the real-life women who inspired many of its characters— particularly Lake Forest socialite Ginevra King.
words by Sherry Thoma portrait photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest historic photography courtesy of the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff
Executive Director Carol Summerfield at the historic Lake Forest home of Ginevra King, now owned and being meticulously restored by Jeanette and Danny Hodgkinson.
“I’M GLAD IT’S
A GIRL. I hope she’ll be a fool— that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
That line from the first chapter of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, defines the character of Daisy Buchanan as everything he thinks the wealthy, privileged young women of his time embodied— spoiled, selfish, indulgent, and most of all, elitist.
But as a new exhibit that debuts April 4 at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff reveals, there is a story behind that story.
Timed to mark the 100th anniversary of the novel’s publication, “Behind the Glamour: Inside (and Outside) F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Lake Forest” pulls back the veil on the real life people who inspired many of its most famous characters—including Ginevra King, a Lake Forest socialite who was unmistakably part of the model for Daisy, along with his wife Zelda.
“For 100 years we have interpreted The Great Gatsby as an honest look at society life that exposes its shallow frivolousness. But when you explore deeper, particularly the women in Lake Forest on whom he based so many of these characters, they weren’t that at all,” explains the History Center’s Executive Director Carol Summerfield, herself somewhat of a Fitzgerald scholar and as captivated by the author’s story as she is by his work. “The focus of the exhibit is on how much of what Fitzgerald understood of high society comes from those trips that he made to Lake Forest between 1915 and 1916 and his courtship of Ginevra King.”
Eighteen-year-old Princeton student Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (second cousin of the author of the national anthem) met the 16-year-old Ginevra King at
a sledding party in his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1915. King was visiting her roommate from Westover when the two first locked eyes, igniting a passionate firestorm of correspondence (letters sent back and forth between them were often reported to exceed 20 pages) and several visits to Lake Forest to pursue her. In addition to the Lake Forest friends he knew from Princeton, his obsession with King exposed him to a new world of wealth and glamour.
“There are also multiple references to Lake Forest itself.”
His new crush was part of an exclusive sorority of debutantes who called themselves “The Big Four.” King and her clique, which included Edith Cummings,
Ginevra King in 1922
Ginevra King. Town & Country, 1918. Photography by Arnold Genthe
Courtney Letts, and Margaret “Peg” Carry, reigned in Lake Forest society—wearing matching rose-gold pinkie rings that bore their adopted catchphrase, “The Big Four 1914.” From the tennis courts at Onwentsia Club to lavish garden parties, including some held at the King family’s sprawling Lake Forest estate, they were the belles of every ball.
“He spends two and a half years trying to get himself to top of the roster as a potential courter for Ginevra, and it’s pretty clear from early on that he’s not going to be there, for a bunch of reasons,” explains Summerfield. “His interpretation and what you see in his writing is focused on this idea that wealth is the only barrier—that if he had been into a wealthier family that his charm, his writing skills, and his good looks would have been enough.”
King’s rejection of the young author as a suitor and the resulting heartbreak became a recurring theme in Fitzgerald’s work, but none more so than in The Great Gatsby. His time in Lake Forest and the influence of the people he met here seep from the novel’s now legendary characters with a tinge of judgment and at times, even resentment.
“His visits to Lake Forest cemented his awareness of how hard it was to break into the inner sanctum of the wealthy and elite. You can see that in both Nick and Gatsby,” adds the History Center’s Deputy Director and Head of Curation Laurie Stein. “Edith Cummings was a very talented golfer and is seen as the inspiration for the character of Jordan Baker. There are also multiple
references to Lake Forest itself. He name drops the city when he mentions that Tom Buchanan was bringing polo ponies from Lake Forest.” Summerfield says the main focus of this year’s celebration is telling the true story of who these “Gatsby girls” really were and what they each went on to do long after the ink dried on the novel.
“My goal is to bring back the real women, so we can see through the façade of how they were presented. When you look at The Big Four that Scott Fitzgerald knew, these were smart, complex women who ended up breaking from society norms at that time and forging their own paths,” she explains. “Peg Carry’s was more traditional but three of the four of them broke rank with what society expected from them in ways that were deep and meaningful.”
Courtney Letts, in her twenties, decided she wanted to explore the Arctic Circle. Not only did she conquer her goal but she took a film crew and made a documentary that’s still in circulation today. Letts also wrote down
F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1921
King Family Home
recipes for how to serve elk and polar bear. Cummings did something equally as bold—snubbing marriage to become an acclaimed sportswoman.
“At the point that Fitzgerald was writing The Great Gatsby down in the south of France, Edith Cummings is on the cover of magazines and that had to have irked him,” says Summerfield. “I think the reason he writes Jordan Baker as this cynical cheat of a sportswoman is out of bitterness for her success.”
As for Ginevra King, who broke Fitzgerald’s heart with the announcement of her engagement to polo player and Texaco executive Wil-
Courtney Letts on a hunting expedition
liam Mitchell, she went on to also make unconventional choices. Unhappy in her marriage, she quickly divorced and lived as a free and independent woman before meeting and marrying John T. Pirie Jr., owner of the Carson Pirie Scott
“It’s really very magical to be out in what was once the formal garden....”
department store empire. Records show that she wrote of her time with Fitzgerald fondly and that the two reunited briefly in Hollywood, more than a decade after The Great Gatsby was published.
“One of the interesting things about the Nick Carraway character is that he’s framed as who Scott could have been if he had married Ginevra. He maintains this moral high ground and recog-
nizes bad behavior and shuns it,” says Summerfield. “What Fitzgerald becomes is much more Gatsby-like,”
Jeanette Hodgkinson, who rescued Ginevra King’s family estate from demolition in 2019 along with husband, Danny, says she is happy that the History Center exhibit will tell the young socialite’s true story.
“I think most of the public has it totally wrong. The book portrays her as a very spoiled selfish woman, and in fact she used her social status to give women a voice and stand up for what she believed in,” adds Hodgkinson, whose ongoing restoration of the property was featured in a 2023 PBS documentary titled Restoring Gatsby
Edith Cummings
“Once we discovered the history of the home, we immediately pursued the landmark certification with the city. For us, being able to preserve such an important home means we are carrying on the same tradition that the original families that lived here cared about. We are not just homeowners, but we are caretakers of the community.”
While there was not a lot of original detail left in the home from the King family’s time there, Hodgkinson said they were able to uncover the original garden bench where Ginevra was known to have been photographed.
“It’s really very magical to be out in what was once the formal garden sitting on the same bench today,” she says, adding that if she could host Ginevra, she’d serve lots of champagne and ask her many questions about what the house was like back then. “I would also love to know about the events that went on in the home, and which one she would say was the most memorable.”
Summerfield hopes that the History Center exhibit, which runs through the end of October and includes a series of special events—including a tour of some of the Lake Forest homes that Fitzgerald may have visited—will shed new light on the 21st century allure of the Gatsby lifestyle.
“We’ve got a couple of the current historians who write about Fitzgerald who will be presenting and we also have an academic who will talk about the struggle of translating The Great Gatsby and novels of that era to the big screen,” she says. “There is also a re-enactor who will bring Scott’s wife, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, to life during a salon event.”
When asked about the enduring appeal of the novel over the last century, as evidenced by the popularity of Gatsby-themed fundraisers and galas in recent years, Summerfield says it comes down to three things.
“The first is, it’s sort of the beginning of real modernism in America—that freedom and adventure that comes with the 1920s,” Summerfield explains. “Second is this notion of the wealthier class, including the celebrity of it and all the things that came out of that era.”
The third, and perhaps most compelling factor, is the voyeuristic nature of the narrative. “We can look through the window of these lives,” she adds. “But we can also stand in judgment of their shallowness and lack of moral center.”
It could be argued that The Great Gatsby was Fitzgerald’s ultimate judgment on Lake Forest and the people that he met here more than a century ago. But Summerfield isn’t convinced those fictional portrayals were ever that accurate.
“As you look at Fitzgerald’s life, one of the things that becomes clear is that while he was hanging out with wealthy people, much of it isn’t the kind of society he was a part of in Lake Forest,” she says. “They were people who were traders on the stock market or performers in the Hollywood world, the sort that might go from Paris to the south of France and hop on a yacht. The more established wealthy individuals understood the responsibility of generational wealth and the responsibility that goes with it. He only sees that in Lake Forest.”
“Behind the Glamour: Inside (and Outside) F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Lake Forest” will run from April 4 through October at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff. For more information, visit lflbhistory.org.
Ginevra King, October 1936, in Lake Forest on her hunter, Starbloom
HER HEART RUNNETH OVER
Lake Forest’s Annie McAveeney’s labor of love—Fill
A
Heart
4
Kids—celebrates
nearly two decades of serving the state’s most vulnerable
children.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler / photography provided by Katrina Wittkamp styling, hair, and makeup by Theresa DeMaria
ANNIE MCAVEENEY’S ability to love knows no bounds.
“Everyone knows that poverty is out there, but unless you’re in the trenches, it’s impossible to know the depth of what is going on,” McAveeney says. “The things we see—children going without food, clothing, a warm place to sleep—it’s heart wrenching. How can we not help? I’m grateful that Fill a Heart 4 Kids plays a role in supporting the most vulnerable with necessary resources to achieve brighter futures.”
In 2008, Fill a Heart 4 Kids (FAH4K) began as a family project for the McAveeneys after they fostered a child in their home. With her husband and daughters at her side, FAH4K launched with the Project Valentine WeCare Packages™ to help children living in group facilities feel loved and remembered on Valentine’s Day. Then in 2015 at the urging of her dear friends and supporters, McAveeney helped FAH4K earn its 501(c)(3) status, broadening the organization’s ability to support at-risk youth. In Illinois alone, there are approximately 25,000 unaccompanied homeless youth and nearly 3,400 foster youth waiting to be adopted. State resources are spread thin. It’s critical for charities to work together to ensure at-risk children receive support and feel hope.
“These precious children have experienced unimaginable pain and suffering,” McAveeney says. “They struggle to focus in school because they are worried about finding a safe place to sleep at night, food, school supplies, or even soap to wash their clothes. They feel shame and sadness when they are bullied for wearing dirty clothes or when they hear classmates talking about birthday parties and holiday festivities. Some resort to trafficking themselves to obtain basic necessities. Many stop attending school at all.”
Today, with six full-time staff members, four part-time, one intern, and with as many as 12 additional seasonal employees including teachers, FAH4K supports 4,000 foster, McKinney-Vento (homeless), and at-risk children annually. In partnership with more
than 6,000 volunteers, 81 vetted schools, and social service organizations, FAH4K provides food, clothing, tutoring, and life skills opportunities.
“We welcome children into our beautiful new space where we host workshops, educational programs, reading time with our service pups, and special celebrations. Our goal is to increase children’s self-worth, create a sense of belonging, and to be confident, and ready to learn,” she says. FAH4K is located behind Market Square in downtown Lake Forest. In conjunction with their generous donors and volunteers, FAH4K can now offer opportunities in its bright new space outfitted with study carrels, workspaces, technology, and even a learning kitchen. There is also a “store” on the first floor where volunteers and donors can “shop” for new items that will help reduce peer shaming and increase school attendance. “When we put out a cry for support, we only ask for items that address an immediate need—like Weekend Food Bags for children without access to food pantries. We don’t ask for anything that we can’t use right now. When we work together as a community, our children do better. When our children do better, our community does, too.”
FAH4K has more than 360 volunteer opportunities annually for individuals, groups, corporations, and team-building experiences. As they enter their 10th year as a certified non-profit organization and nearly its 20th year helping underserved children, McAveeney believes that her work is only just beginning.
“I am so grateful for all that we’ve been able to build so far and the resources we have provided to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children,” she says. “Our goal is to have a beautiful campus one day—a safe place where children can come to live, learn, and be loved. That’s what we’re working towards.”
To learn more about kids in need, volunteering, teaching, field trips, corporate, and group team building experiences, visit fillaheart4kids.org.
Caption
Annie McAveeney
From a Day Dream to Late Night Dreamers
Sisters Alex Peck and Taylor Boardman make a dream come true, together launching Late Night Dreamers—a Lake Bluff-based company specializing in bamboo pajamas.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler / photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest
“ITOLD MY SISTER, Taylor, at the end of 2023, it’s now or never. Let’s just do this,” says Alex Peck.
By this, Peck was referring to the pajama company she and her older sister Taylor Boardman had been discussing since 2020. With five kids between the two of them—three for Peck and two for Boardman—they loved the idea of starting a business that was inspired by and inclusive of their children. “Part of the fun in starting this business was launching it when our kids could still be a part of it and enjoy it,” says Peck.
Self-proclaimed pajama afficionados, the sisters knew what they liked. They were both well-versed in soft, tightfitting children’s pajamas made in sweet silhouettes and colorful prints.
With the name for their new company set—“Late Night Dreamers”—Peck went to work building timelines, production schedules, and coordinating an overseas manufacturer for the company. “If I had really thought all of this through and understood everything I was going to
Models wear the Eddie Two Piece Set in “Daywear for Hoopers
Alex Peck and Taylor Boardman wear clothing from Zara
have to learn along the way, I for sure wouldn’t have done it,” Peck says with a laugh. “But I’m glad I did it anyway.”
As Peck focused on operations, Boardman took the lead on marketing and bringing their visions for pajama prints to life. She turned to childhood friend, Laura Jilizian, for help.
“I love how many personal connections came into play to launch Late Night Dreamers,” Boardman says. “Laura and I went to middle school and the University of Oregon together. She now has four children of her own, lives in California, and is working as a graphic designer. Her illustrations are inspired from things Alex and I have shared that our children love. Every single one of our prints has been hand drawn by Laura.”
Late Night Dreamers is a nearly all e-commerce business with Peck and Boardman hosting occasional pop-ups, including weekly appearances last summer at the Lake Bluff Farmer’s Market. They offer styles in sizes from preemie to 12/14, each style named after one of their children. “We love when our customers have a chance to feel the product,” says Peck. “It’s softer than you can imagine, being made of 95 percent bamboo and 5 percent spandex. It feels very different than other brands that have this same makeup because of how it’s printed, manufactured, and produced. Additionally, after working for a year straight on perfecting the sizing of tight-fitting pajamas, I can honestly stand by ours as being one of the top, gold-standard pajama brands on the market.”
While the sisters may divide many of the daily tasks involved in the day-to-day running of their company, they come together in filling their orders in the office they share above Lake Bluff Brewing Company.
“I take a few days a week to pack orders, and my sister takes the others,” Peck says. “I was just telling my mom this morning on the phone that if I’m ever having a day when I’m feeling overwhelmed, Taylor just steps in. Or vice versa, I will do the same for her. We just do it. There are unspoken words between sisters about having each other’s back. I’m not sure it would be the same with a business partner or even a very good friend.”
When asked if their parents had any idea that one day their daughters would be running a company together, the sisters say they weren’t surprised.
“Our parents are the most supportive parents any child could have,” Peck adds. “Every launch, our mom goes online and buys a bunch of our products at full price. We tell her she doesn’t have to do that, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She really is the heart of this business.”
As Peck and Boardman approach year two of their business, they look forward to offering more seasonal lines, as well as making their prints available across all of their silhouettes for families who like to have their children wear matching pajamas. They also hope to continue building collaborative relationships with the many creative business owners in Lake Bluff. Boardman and Peck are quick to thank Toned Yoga Studio owner Maddie Zonino and photographer Alison Shelton for their invaluable advice and support.
“Everything has happened exactly as it’s supposed to,” Boardman says reflecting on the past year of Late Night Dreamers. “Maybe this isn’t the way it’s supposed to be—flying by the seat of our pants. But it’s how we have to run things right now, with our top priority being moms. As chaotic as this all sounds, our goal for Late Night Dreamers was for it to be a place where we could work creatively and collaboratively with our kids along for the ride. That’s exactly what Late Night Dreamers is.”
To learn more about Late Night Dreamers, visit latenightdreamers.com or follow @latenight_dreamers on Instagram.
“Every single one of our prints has been hand drawn by Laura.”
Models wear Vivi Flair Pajamas in “Meet Me at Midnight”
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.
“I have worked with Chris Puszynski for many years... Her work ethic is unmatched. Chris always goes the extra mile for her clients. She is a consummate professional who handles each transaction personally. Chris is very knowledgeable relative to market conditions and also in advising her clients on matters of contract negotiation.
I MOST HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHRIS TO ANYONE CONSIDERING EITHER
SOCIAL LIFE
BARE BONES
photography by Widia Viti
On January 9, more than 250 women enjoyed an exclusive preview of the site of the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse in its “bare bones” state. Hosted by the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Bare Bones has become a favorite event during showhouse years and serves as the official kick-off to the renovations that transform a local estate into one of the finest showhouses in the country. The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens will be open for tours April 26 through May 25. lakeforestshowhouse.com
Kate Holland, Chrissy Davis and Cathy Crowley
Susan Pasquella, Stacy Sanderson, Jennifer Durburg
Nicole Cooper, Brooke Tagliaferro, Jessica White and Kim Egan
Kate Rother, Marybeth O’Shea, Shawn Gore, Shannon Shader
Rebecca Asfour, Wendy Franzen, Chrissy Davis
Lukas Szot and Tim Walsh Jennifer Hoogasian, Sara Pickus
Samantha Trace, Nicole Curcio, Dina Lamberson, Alicia Phillips
Betsey Hough, Brooke Kuehnle, Heidi Lancaster
Perry Minter, Nicole Cooper, Kim Egan, Kasey Wood, Lucy Pelletier
Megan Terlato, Megan Crowe, Gabby Sobinsky
Kathleen Brill and Hillary Lupo
Jen Durburg, Cathy Crowley, Shannon Shader, Susan Rolander, Barrett Erker, Dawn Talma
Melissa Goltra, Whitley Herbert, Courtney Magliochetti, Katy Collins, Kim Denapoli
Jennie Buettner and Melissa Filkin
Event chairs Michelle Taubensee and Marie Woods
SOCIAL LIFE
HOLIDAY PARTY
photography by Ian McLeod
The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation celebrated the holidays on December 8 with members and friends at the Ralph H. Poole Estate in Lake Bluff, designed by David Adler and Henry Dangler in 1913. Guests viewed the beautiful work of the home’s renowned architects, the grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., the owner’s collection of classic and eclectic art, and magnificent holiday decor. As every year, the holiday party was filled to capacity. lfpf.org
Don Lynch & Lori Lennon
Linda Spamberger, Cathy Van Dorpe
Jennifer & Michael Karras
Nancy & Larry Stack
Patti Shuma & Craig Fox, Susan Lovell, Perry Georgopoulos
Max Lynch & Morgan Mendoza
Kirk & Nadine Shepard
Trey Gonzales & Kip Helverson
Trent Wisehart
Nandan Shah & Jennifer McGregor
HOLLY & IVY LUNCHEON
photography by Robin Subar
The Deerpath Garden Club of Lake Forest held its Holly & Ivy “Holly-Day” Luncheon on December 4 at the Knollwood Club. President Connie Maines thanked chairperson Nancy Ferch and her committee for creating a lovely day. Festivities included member floral displays and a lively raffle—the proceeds of which will support club philanthropy. deerpathgardenclub.org
Connie Maines, Cindy Ramamdan, Cathy Douglas
Carol Gillig, Cindy Ramadan
Bonita Friedland, Darlene Weber
Joan Smoron, Diane Boscia, Nancy Ferch, Janet Close, Mary Ellen Grahm
Nancy Ferch, Carol Gillig, Kathy Elmer, Linda Hicks
Sylvia Dunbeck, Jill Peare
JoAnne Egan, Cheryl Buccelli, Darlene Weber
Sherri Nichols, Nancy Stack
SP
IN GRE ENV IL LE, SOUTH C AROL IN A
The CLIFFS COMMUNITIES, where luxury living meets breathtaking natural beauty.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and famed for its ideal climate, The CLIFFS COMMUNITIES offers a lifestyle like no other.
Music and Food Festivals. Temperatures are in the 70s and perfect for all your outdoor pursuits
GOLFING at one of the 7 highly acclaimed Cliffs golf courses
HIKING the Swamp Rabbit trail or chasing waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains
TING on idyllic Lake Keowee
act Roy Hawthorne to get to know what life in the ville area and the Cliffs Communities have to offer!
Roy Hawthorne Realtor
Scan
MERRY MISTLETOE
photography by Robin Subar
The Lake Forest Woman’s Club hosted its annual Merry Mistletoe event on December 11 at Exmoor Country Club. Guests perused a Christmas Shop full of stocking stuffers and holiday gifts, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and listened to the music of The Old Towne Carolers.
Norma Finkel, Judy Katsiopoulos
Linda Hegg, Cathy Douglas
Terry Wright, Beth Teich
Laura Henderson, Nancy Stack
Evelyn Stamelos, Cathy Douglas
Marge Triplett, Barbara Blanke, Jennifer Turner, Lisa Williams
Cindy Ousterhout, Linda Hegg
Astrid Marini-Perez
Theresa Hardiman, Linda Peterson
As I enter my 25th year in real estate, I want to thank my clients and customers for their continued trust. Additionally, I want to extend a huge thank you to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago in Lake Forest and Downing-Frey Realty Inc. in Naples, FL for enthusiastically embracing my unique business model. Their support, along with the help of several valued associates in each company, allow me to do what I love, providing first class service, here and there! I am incredibly grateful and looking forward to 2025! Please reach out and let me help you achieve your real estate goals here on the North Shore or in Naples and the surrounding areas.
Captn Kate Ct #44 NAPLES
Gulf Shore N #1002
It’s inevitable. Stains happen. No matter how careful you are, the mustard on that hotdog, mud in that puddle, wine in that glass, and ink from that pen are going to splish, splash, drip or drop onto the fabrics in which you live.
Figuring out how to rid garments and linens of the resulting soiled spots has prompted clean-questing Americans to embark on all kinds of stain-removal experimentation, applying soda, soap, shaving cream, and even saliva.
After decades as a laundry and dry cleaning professional, Victor Seyedin owner of Lake City Cleaners in Lake Forest and Evanston, has seen it all. “The biggest problem when they spill something on a garment—especially if it is an expensive garment, is that people panic,” says Seyedin, “And when they panic, the first thing they do is to try to rub out the stain, which in many cases is the worst thing you can do. It’s better to just do nothing to it than to rub it. Just bring it to us.”
“I’ll never forget the woman who came in with a silk Dolce & Gabbana gown upon which she had spilled a little food,” Seyedin recalls. “Silk is a very delicate fabric, and when trying to rub out the stain, the woman actually rubbed the dye out of the fabric, which ruined the dress.”
In fact, depending upon the materials from which they are made, and the dying process that was used by the fabric manufacturer, colored garments and linens may or may not have stable dyes.
To avoid mishaps that happen when a garment’s dye is unstable, “We always spot check a small area by applying the cleaning agent we plan to use on it. We do this to ensure that the dye is stable before applying solvents or chemicals to the entire garment,” Seyedin explains. “You can’t always trust the garment care label.”
Because each fabric—from silk to cotton to wool to bamboo, clings to stains in a different way, and reacts to cleaning solvents and chemicals differently, each must also be treated differently.
“We use a different solvent or chemical for each type of stain,” says Seyedin. “And the composition of the fabric will also determine how we treat the stain.”
When ranking tough stains, it’s no surprise that oil, choco-
Out, Out, Damned Spot!
For best stain-removal, rubbing at the spot is not the answer; pro treatment is.
words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers
late, tomato sauce, blood, and wine are among the top ten. But people are often surprised to learn that armpit stains are worse than all of these. While invisible at first, armpit stains—which are compounded because of their interaction with antiperspirants and deodorants—become very difficult to treat if left over a long period of time.
“This is especially true with a white garment,” says Seyedin. “So, our advice is: If you’ve worn it a few times, do have it cleaned before hanging it in your closet over time. Or bring it in for our heirloom service, in which we clean the garment and package it in an air-free container so that it can be safely stored without discoloration.”
Often, Lake City will begin treating a stain by drycleaning first because the process cleans without stressing the fabric. “Once it’s been drycleaned, the garment is then inspected,” he continues.
If a stain has not fully lifted after initial cleaning efforts, the garment then goes to the spotting board station where workers examine the stain again before determining which treatment with which to proceed. Before taking additional action, Lake City Cleaners will always consult with the client first, “to let them know how we would like to proceed. And then, with customer permission and their understanding that the spot may not come out,” Seyedin concludes, “we do all that we can.”
While stains on white cotton may seem worse than those on colored fabric, “A stain on white cotton can actually be easier to clean than a stain on a colored fabric that has been fixed with an unstable dye,” says Seyedin.
When cotton has been stained with something like tomato sauce, blood, or coffee, it’s okay to give it a quick rinse in cold water before bringing the garment to Lake City Cleaners.
“But in most cases I tell people: ‘Don’t do anything to the stain,’” sums Seyedin. “’Just bring it in.’ After so many years of tackling tough stains, we know the proper treatment for almost anything, and we will do our utmost to restore each item and make it stain free.”
For more information on Lake City Cleaner’s services, please visit lakecitycleaners.com.
MORE THAN JUST DÉCOR
Rugport leads the way in home glamour, comfort, and style.
words by Janis MVK
photography by Katrina Wittkamp
For more than four decades, Rugport has been a trusted name in fine handmade rugs, offering timeless pieces that bring warmth and style to homes across Illinois, Michigan, and beyond. Established in 1979 by Ali and Houshi, Rugport now operates in three locations including Palatine, Illinois, and Petoskey and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ali and Houshi have a deep understanding of what makes a home special. They recognize that a home is a place of comfort, where individuals feel most relaxed and at ease. This appreciation is reflected in every piece their showrooms offer, with a commitment to providing décor that is both respected and cherished. Rugport believes that the floor is much more than a place to rest one’s feet. It’s a blank canvas just waiting for beautiful décor.
However, Rugport is more than just a destination for exquisite rugs. The Palatine location offers a comprehensive range of services, including expert cleaning, restoration, and repairs—even for the most challenging projects. Additional offerings include customizations to ensure each rug complements any home’s style, alterations to refresh older rugs, professional stain removal, and top-tier appraisals. Rugport also serves as a trusted resource for rug education, assisting firsttime buyers and seasoned collectors alike at every step of the buying or restoration process.
With over 60,000 square feet of space and an inventory valued at more than $20 million, Rugport offers pieces to suit
any home. Whether the style leans toward fashionably avantgarde, aligns with current trends, or reflects a transitional aesthetic, the selection is designed to meet a variety of needs. Specializing in hand-knotted modern, contemporary, antique, masterpiece, and traditional oriental rugs, Rugport provides stunning options for any room.
Striving to ensure that every client leaves one of the three showrooms confident, Rugport ensures their clients are in good hands. The team is committed to going the extra mile in customer service and takes pride in educating clients on the purpose, style, and functionality that rugs bring to a home.
Rugs are not just floor coverings or places to wipe off shoes during the cold winters—they are the center point of any room. Just like the homes people live in, they hold memories. They are placed at the center where families gather around the dining room table each night after routine days of work and school. They are set in living rooms or dens while groups of friends have game nights or catch up after time away. They provide comfort when we climb the staircase at the end of a long day, warm our feet after an unwinding shower, and guide us through hallways during the night.
Rugport knows this. With this intention, they ensure each client leaves their showrooms with not just a new rug, but a piece that will hold their memories for years to come.
Rugport, 23 S. Northwest Highway in Palatine, 847-202-0600, rugport.com, @rugportorientalrugs.
Houshi & Ali
5 bedrooms, 3.1 baths | Offered at $1,150,000
Features of this beautiful rehabbed home include new windows, hardie board siding, upgraded roof and a blue stone entrance. Inside you will enjoy soaring ceilings, stylish fixtures, floor-toceiling windows and a fabulous open floor plan for everyday living.
PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE
words by Steven Bloch, M.D.
Looking your best takes work. Aging is inevitable. At some point, our reflection in the mirror looks older than we feel. This creates anxiety. We can either ignore it or seek the advice of a plastic surgeon.
As part of a consultation, a thorough evaluation is made of the face. Not everyone ages the same. Factors to be assessed include laxity of skin; loss of volume; excess volume; underlying bone structure; skin texture and wrinkles; position of eyebrows; position of cheeks; appearance of eyes; laxity of neck including platysmal bands and submental fat; and appearance of the lips.
The patient’s desires and concerns are paramount. A mutual plan must be agreed upon, costs must be considered, and risks assessed. I must also determine if the patient is realistic.
A bespoke facelift involves more than just tightening the skin. To create a natural look, what is done beneath the skin is important. At a deeper plane the soft tissue may need to be repositioned. Platysmal neck bands should be addressed. Jowls are lifted. Buccal fat may need to be reduced. Volume or fat grafting may be indicated. Excess fat needs to be removed and the area sculpted. Repositioning of the eyebrows, usually elevation may be warranted. Occasionally the upper lip needs to be shortened. I might have to remove excess skin and underlying bags around the eyes, and this is typically done at the same time. Sometimes fat is added along the rim or upper cheek. Finally, the skin may need to be resurfaced to address fine lines and wrinkles. If everything is done correctly, the result should be a more youthful, refreshed look. It should not look “operated” on.
Once you’ve completed your facelift it’s important to maintain it. At our Med Spa, we have a host of treatments that can slow the aging process and enhance one’s appearance. If that person in the mirror is older than you feel, perhaps it’s time to come in for a consultation.
For additional information, visit skindeepmedicalspa.com or call the Highland Park office at 847-432-0840.
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The Last Word
Top Rung
Longtime Lake Forest Fire Department firefighter Andy
Rick—a hero to many but not to him—rises to the position of chief.
words by Bill McLean / illustration by Tom Bachtell
Go ahead, call Andy Rick a hero. The 17-year veteran of the Lake Forest Fire Department will thank you but he’ll also kindly disagree with you. “Some calls turned into cool stories,” recalls Rick, sworn in as chief of the department in January after serving it as a firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant, battalion chief, and deputy chief. “Adrenaline gets going and you do what you have to do for others on calls. I met many wonderful and supportive people of Lake Forest while on the job—many times, sadly, on the worst day of their lives.” One resident fell at home once, twice, thrice, the third time a forerunner to surgery. “We got a thank you note after the third fall, informing us that the hip surgery went well,” says the 41-year-old Rick, who succeeded Pete Siebert. “The note was nice, but all we did was our job.” For generations, it seems, youngsters’ responses to, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” have been astronaut or firefighter or doctor or pro athlete. Succeed in any of the fields and you’re deemed a hero. But more often than not, the hero doesn’t want to be worshiped as such as an adult. “As an Exercise Science major, I thought I’d become a chiropractor,” says Rick, whose father, Tim Rick, capped his firefighter career as lieutenant in Vernon Hills. “I changed my mind halfway through college (University of Iowa) after observing firefighters in Iowa City and a conversation with my father, who never pushed me to become a firefighter, never even suggested it. I see what I do as an opportunity to be a servant leader, and servant leadership is in line with my core values.” Maybe that’s it. Maybe heroes are folks who display core values—selflessness, empathy, responsibility, commitment—at home, at work, at play. Our hero’s heroes? “You’ve probably heard this before but I’m going to say it anyway, because it’s the truth,” begins the Mundelein native and the parent of three sons with wife Terese. “My heroes are my mother (Julie, a former assistive technologist with Special Education District of Lake County) and father. They made sacrifices as parents when I was young and taught me to be a good person.” One thing that watching Rick and listening to Rick makes you realize is that maybe we don’t have to don turnout gear and bunker boots and a cool-looking fire-and-rescue helmet to make a difference. Just be true to yourself daily. Put others first and turn their worst days into hopeful ones. And there are no actions more heroic than that.
This
Elegant and timeless residence, perfectly nestled in a serene and private setting adjacent to Lake Forest Open Lands.
