The North Shore Weekend, February 5th, 2022 by JWC Media

FIND US ONLINE: DailyNorthShore.com

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

SUNDAY BREAKFAST Guitarist/philanthropist Jeff Gerchenson and his Basement Band mates hit all the right notes on and off stages P22

WEEKEND WEATHER

Saturday, Mostly sunny, high 25 Saturday night, Partly cloudy, low 12 Sunday, Partly cloudy, high 29

NORTH SHORE FOODIE

Set the mood for romance with our chocolate cherry whipped cream cake P18 FOLLOW US:

NO. 486 | A JWC MEDIA PUBLICATION

THE BOOM GOES ON A MONTH INTO 2022, NORTH SHORE BROKERS SAY THERE’S NO SLOWING DOWN THE LUXURY MARKET, AND BUYER DEMAND REMAINS THROUGH THE ROOF. BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

For much of the 2010s, the luxury real estate market (homes over $1 million) on the North Shore remained stagnant. Many large homes and estates stayed on the market for years or boomeranged on and off the market for long periods. That all changed starting the second half of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic drove up demand for luxury properties as families wanted more room and amenities during lockdown. The market pattern continued all through 2021, and according to North Shore area brokers, demand for luxury properties in 2022 shows no sign of letting up. “So far, the luxury market continues to be strong. Expensive homes are going under contract every day and in relatively fast market times depending on the price range,” says Jamie Roth, Managing Broker with Engel & Volkërs, Chicago North Shore. “There is still high demand and low inventory, and I don't see that changing in the near future. When one home goes under contract, there are many potential buyers who remain left in the lurch.” Continued on PG 12

Sunrise Manor, a stunning, lakefront home at 899 Sheridan Road in Winnetka, is currently listed by Jena Radnay of @properties. The home is set on 1.3 acres with panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

Accepting Applications

for the 2022-2023 School Year 145 S. Green Bay Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045 | 847.615.6151 | www.lfcds.org/admission

got s p a c e ? WE’VE GOT BUYERS!

Residential Real Estate inventory is at record lows on the North Shore. We have clients currently looking for homes - do any happen to meet the criteria of your home or perhaps a neighbor, friend or relative? If so, please reach out!

MRED, LLC: *#1 Team @properties Highland Park office - Closed Sales Volume, Residential 01/01/21 – 12/31/21 †Total Sales Volume 01/01/21-12/31/21

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

here’s what we are looking for GLENCOE

•

LAKEFRONT Property

•

to $2.5M LAND or GUT REHAB up up to $2M SINGLE-FAMILY HOME PRIMARY up to $1.5M 3 BED with 1ST FLOOR

•

4 BED on 1/3 ACRE up

•

SINGLE-FAMILY HOME

• •

•

LAND or GUT REHA

•

SINGLE-FAMILY HO

•

to $1.25M

up to $900K

3-4 BED, 2.5+ BATH

B up to $2.5M

ME (wilmette) up to

$900K

up to $500-850K

DEERFIELD | RIVERWO BANNOCKBURN

ODS

up to $1.5-2M SINGLE-FAMILY HOME PRIMARY 3 BED with 1ST FLOOR

• •

Y, FINISHED 4+ BED, MOVE-IN READ up to $1.5M BASEMENT, NICE YARD 5M 3 BED CONDO up to $1. ERWOODS up to BANNOCKBURN or RIV

•

NORTHEAST HIGHLA

•

LAND or GUT REHA

•

EAST HIGHLAND PA RK

•

SINGLE-FAMILY HOME up to $1.45M

•

SINGLE-FAMILY HOME up to $400-800K

$1-1.5M

LING SCHOOLS 4+ BED, WALDEN or KIP up to $1.25M on 1 ACRE • LAND or TEAR DOWN rn) (Deerfield or Bannockbu ME up to $800K • SINGLE-FAMILY HO HOOL up to $550K • 3+ BED, WALDEN SC

y EAST HIGHLAND PA RK

N O R TH B R O O K & G LE N V IE W

up to $1.5M

•

LAKEFRONT Propert

5 Beds on 3/4+ Acre

ND PARK up to $3M

up to $4M

B in East Highland Pa

rk up to $2.5M Single-Family Home up to $2M • CLOSE TO LAKE up to $2M • 4+ BED HOME, NICE YARD up to $1 .5M • 3 BED, 1ST FLOO R PRIMARY up to $1 .5M • 3 BED CONDO up to $1.5M • 4 BED, RAVINIA or BRAESIDE up to $1.3M • 4+ BED, UPDATE D KITCHEN, LARGE LOT up to $950K • SINGLE-FAMILY HOME up to $800K • 3-4 BED, RAVINI A or BRAESIDE up to $700K • RAVINIA up to $6 50K • SINGLE-FAMILY HOME up to $400-6 00K • 1-2 BEDROOM CO NDO (Highwood als o) up to $300K • 3 BED TOWNHOM E up to $400K

W IL M E T T E | W IN N E T KA •

H IG H L A N D PA R K

N E W TR IE R H IG H S C H O O L • •

Glencoe, Kenilworth, No rthfield, Wilmette or Winnetka up to $1.5M Glencoe, Kenilworth, No rthfield, Wilmette, Winnetka, pa rts of Northbrook & Glenview up to $950k

•

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

LAKE FOREST •

CLOSE TO LAKE up to $2M

•

SINGLE-FAMILY HOME up to $1.5M

•

3 BED with 1ST FLOOR PRIMARY up to $1.5M

•

4+ BED, UPDATED KITCHEN, LARGE LOT up to $950K

•

LAND or TEAR DOWN on 1 ACRE

•

1-2 BED CONDO up to $300K

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

LD SO

RAVINIA

2630 N RACINE AVENUE, CHICAGO

845 W BELDEN AVENUE, CHICAGO

770 RICE STREET, HIGHLAND PARK

$1,449,000 | 5 BED, 4 BATH | BEAUTIFUL BROWNSTONE

$2,450,000 | 5 BED, 4 BATH | HISTORIC BROWNSTONE WITH UPDATES

$1,350,000 | 6 BED, 4.1 BATH | PRAIRIE STYLE ON 1 IN-TOWN ACRE

BRAESIDE

RAVINIA

HIGHWOOD

LINCOLN PARK

make your next move with CORY ALBIANI

316 GROVE AVENUE, HIGHWOOD

475 CEDAR AVENUE, HIGHLAND PARK

420 CAROL COURT, HIGHLAND PARK

$295,000 | 3 BED, 1 BATH | CHARMING BUNGALOW

$590,000 | 3 BED, 2.1 BATH | CHARMING HOME ON LARGE LOT

$549,000 | 3 BED, 2.1 BATH | BRAESIDE 2 STORY ON LARGE LOT

“

“I truly cannot put into words how great our experience was working with Cory Albiani. He guided us effortlessly through both the search for our new home, as well as the purchase. Cory is a consummate professional, but also brings a nice calm and easy demeanor to what could be normally a stressful home buying/selling process. Despite the final purchase hitting a couple legal snags prior to the close, Cory was always there to answer questions and to help us move the transaction forward. Hands down, we would recommend Cory Albiani to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the suburbs or downtown.” -Douglas & Amanda Baker

312.286.7065 coryalbiani@atproperties.com OVER $20M TRANSACTIONS IN 2021* $170M CAREER SALES ** NORTH SHORE EXPERT *MRED LLC, all buy and list side transactions 01/01/21-12/31/21. **MRED LLC, all buy and list side transactions 01/01/04 - Present. ***MRED LLC, all buy and list side transactions 01/01/2018 -12/31/21.

#1 INDIVIDUAL AGENT - HIGHLAND PARK OFFICE 2018, 2020, 2021 ***

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

THAT RANCH ON THE LAKE 41 South Deere Park Drive • Highland Park • $4,200,000

arely available and possessing the most breathtaking sweeping vistas of Lake Michigan from every primary room and the rear yard. Situated on 2 separate lots for a total of ~2.6 acres. Lushly landscaped with substantial

table land and over 400 feet of shoreline. Graciously proportioned sun-laden rooms, vaulted ceilings, and luxury finishes. Pool and pool house right at the Lake. If space and privacy are the new luxuries, then this home checks all the boxes. Truly a home in which to enjoy the best of North Shore living in one of Highland Park’s most desired neighborhoods.15 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 5 full and 1 half baths.

847.219.6400 jamie.roth@evrealestate.com jamieroth.evrealestate.com *Some sales sold while affiliated with another brokerage. ©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

N MI

O SO

YOUR OWN LUXURY RESORT 951 Mount Vernon Avenue • Lake Forest • $1,690,000

his absolutely stunning contemporary ranch style home is loaded with “WOW” and offers an ideal floor plan, on-trend finishes, and large sun-filled living spaces all with an in-ground pool and tennis court on 1.4

professionally landscaped acres. Luxurious rooms including a sought after main floor primary suite with spalike bath and a main floor office. Amazing gourmet kitchen open to expansive family room. Professional grade exercise room and theater room. Tons of natural light. Fabulous location close to train, shops, bike bath, parks, and expressways. 15 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 1 half bath. A 10+!

Get access to all local listings from your mobile device. Scan the QR Code to visit our website.

847.219.6400 jamie.roth@evrealestate.com jamieroth.evrealestate.com

*Some sales sold while affiliated with another brokerage. ©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

Global Vision. Local Insight. Personal Touch. NE

R MA

475 Thornmeadow Road • Riverwoods • $850,000 Recent Activity SO

LD UN

CT FO

HIGHLAND PARK

LAKE FOREST

HIGHLAND PARK

1655 SYLVESTER PLACE $1,075,000

1360 WOODHILL LANE $891,000

2540 HIGHMOOR ROAD $775,000

343 BEECH STREET $650,000

*CO-LISTED WITH MONIKA SOBOLEWSKI

*CO-LISTED WITH LAURIE FIELD

WINNETKA 913 GREEN BAY, UNIT 2N $1,500 Per Month

CARLY JONES 312.391.3170 • carly.jones@evrealestate.com carlyjones.evrealestate.com Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore

566 Chestnut Street, 2 Floor • Winnetka, Illinois 90093 • 847.441.5730 • chicagonorthshore.evrealestate.com nd

Some sales sold while affiliated with another brokerage. ©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Fall in Love With Your Home

our house becomes a HOME when you fall in love with it. Fall in love with your home, your neighborhood, and your lifestyle. We have strong ties and a great perspective of our local community and surrounding

areas to help you find the neighborhood and lifestyle you love and a perfect place that you can call HOME. Our local market knowledge combined with superior quality marketing gives us the power to deliver the personalized and professional experience you deserve. If you’re finding yourself ready to fall in love with a new home or would like to effectively position your home for sale, let us help you find your place that feels like HOME!

Laurie Field

Marcia Lyman

Jamie Roth

Telephone +1 312.504.7010 laurie.field@evrealestate.com lauriefield.evrealestate.com

Telephone +1 847.477.4851 marcia.lyman@evrealestate.com marcialyman.evrealestate.com

Telephone +1 847.219.6400 jamie.roth@evrealestate.com jamieroth.evrealestate.com

Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore

566 Chestnut Street, 2 Floor • Winnetka, Illinois 90093 • 847.441.5730 • chicagonorthshore.evrealestate.com nd

Some sales sold while affiliated with another brokerage. ©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

Make a Bold Move and enjoy the splendid views With Coldwell Banker Realty

Coldwell Banker Realty agents understand what living on the North Shore has to offer with its diverse housing stock, distinctive neighborhoods, inviting restaurants and businesses, and nationally recognized schools. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, stay local or move out of town, our more than 96,000 Coldwell Banker agents worldwide are here to serve you. ®

Give us a call or visit one of our six offices along the North Shore including our new temporary Highland Park location at 599 Central Avenue. We would be honored to assist you.

ColdwellBankerHomes.com Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 224E50_CHI_1/22

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

INDEX

NEWS 16 virtual truths John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING

Illinois Holocaust Museum unveils "The Journey Back," a new virtual reality exhibit

Jennifer Sturgeon

Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Sherry Thomas

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

18 north shore

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Mitch Hurst, Bill McLean, Monica Kass Rogers

DESIGN Linda Lewis PRODUCTION MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Bring it to Bonhams

foodie

Get ready for Valentine's Day with a delicious chocolate cherry confection

Chris Geimer ADVERTISING COORDINATOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATOR Monica Kass Rogers PHOTOGRAPHY

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Cheyanne Lencioni ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

22 sunday

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART

breakfast

ALL ADVERTISING INQUIRY INFO SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO 847.370.6940 & JENNIFER@JWCMEDIA.COM FIND US ONLINE: DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! © 2022 THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND A PUBLICATION OF JWC MEDIA 445 SHERIDAN RD., HIGHWOOD, IL 60040

Highland Park rocker Jeff Gerchenson amped up about Basement Band and donating gig fees to good causes

We’ll sell it to the world Valuation dates February 7 - 11: Prints & Multiples February 16 - 18: Jewelry February 21 - 25: American, California & Western Art Appointments & Inquiries Natalie Waechter +1 (773) 267 3300 natalie.waechter@bonhams.com sell.bonhams.com © 2022 Bonhams & Butterﬁelds Auctioneers Corp. All rights reserved. NYC DCA Auction House License No. 2077070 THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

NEWS THE BOOM GOES ON

From PG 1

Roth says that so far this year he sees many similar factors to those that drove the market in 2020 and 2021, including demographic shifts as more and more young couples are leaving the city for the suburbs. “So many younger people have moved out already and their friends and family want to be in the suburbs with them,“ Roth says. “The specter of classroom lockdowns still looms strongly. Space continues to be the new luxury and people are looking for properties where each family member can work, play, and live accordingly.” Roth adds that what he’s not seeing— not yet anyway—is fatigue among buyers frustrated with the low inventory in the luxury market and the high level of competition. “My buyers are in it to win it. They trust

ABOVE AND LEFT: The outdoor space at Sunrise Manor features maturely landscaped grounds with organic gardens, tiered bluestone with two viewing patios, and a commercial level hot tub with a fireplace overlooking the lake.

receiving multiple offers and offers over the list price,” Dwyer says. “Many of the buyers of the larger homes and

me to navigate this market for them and they know that experience and connections count,” he says. “Indeed, I just helped three separate buyers land the house they wanted.” Dinny Dwyer, a broker with Coldwell Banker in Winnetka, says one factor that definitely hasn’t changed from last year is the desire for amenities, such as pools. “There is still a very strong demand for homes in every price point including the luxury market. Many listed properties are

properties realized during COVID-19 that they wanted more space and a larger yard. Pools became very popular, as well as properties where a pool could be added.” As with Roth, Dwyer says buyers are being patient given the inventory situation,

but they need to jump on properties as soon as they come on the market. “I have not seen buyers retreat from the marketplace due to the lack of Continued on PG 14

RIGHT: This home at 350 Melrose Avenue in Kenilworth is scheduled to be listed by Jena Radnay of @properties, Winnetka.

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

YOUR HOME SHOULD BE A REFLECTION OF YOU AND YOUR LIFE STYLE Does your current home still work or would a new home help you live the best life possible?

Scan the QR code for a complete list of buyer questions to consider.

LIZ KOHLER ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

847.767.8230 lkohler@bhhschicago.com lizkohler.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CHICAGO

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

NEWS THE BOOM GOES ON

From PG 12

inventory. There is some frustration for buyers because they do have to act quickly,” she says. “I try to help my buyers get ready with current data on home sales in the areas where they are looking. I tell them to get their financing organized so they are getting a jump when the right house comes along.” Because of the high buyer demand, homes are turning fast, says Liz Kohler, a broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Winnetka. “Even in the high price ranges market times are relatively short, Kohler says. “Several years ago, you couldn’t give the large old houses away and now market times are under 112 days in the $2 million and up price point.”

ABOVE AND LEFT: Engel & Volkërs Managing Broker Jamie Roth listed this home at 1865 Dale Avenue in Highland Park. The home went under contract in five days.

One thing to keep an eye on as we move through 2022 is interest rates, Kohler says, which have ticked up. But rates are still comparatively low. “While mortgage rates are up slightly, they are still exceptionally low. A 3.5 or 4.0 percent rate is still a bargain and drives demand. COVID-19 continues to drive buyers to the suburbs where people can spread out, get into nature, and work from home,” Kohler says. “People want space and no longer are worried about being walking distance to work as they work remotely.” According to what she’s seen so far this year, Engel & Volkërs broker Carly Jones believes the luxury

market in 2022 will be unchanged from last year, or perhaps even stronger. “The luxury market is still extremely active and there is still more demand than inventory. As we start 2022, there are even less homes on the market and the ones that are taking advantage and listing in December and January are going quickly and with high demand,” Jones says. “I expect to continue seeing this trend through most of 2022. This is going to be another great year for real estate.” Jones says that people are thinking differently about what they want from a home and are looking for features that they might not have considered before the pandemic. That, too, is driving demand for luxury among buyers. “People want space for everyone in their family to be able to work and play. They also want parts of their home that make it feel like a vacation and a luxury’” she says. “Whether that be a large backyard, a pool, a movie theater, a chef 's kitchen, or a spacious basement, buyers realize that some of the things they use to do outside of the home, they want to be able to do within their own homes.” While inventory for luxury properties remains historically low, Jones isn’t seeing buyers drop out of the market, but they are definitely adjusting their expectations.

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

“They are readjusting what they are looking for. Buyers who only want movein ready homes are starting to understand that sometimes you have to do a little work to get the location and features that you want,” she says. “There are also buyers who are increasing their price points to allow them to get what they want.” Laurie Field, with Engel & Volkërs in Winnetka, echoes many of the views of the brokers The North Shore Weekend spoke with. The optimism for 2022 seems to be universal among North Shore real estate professionals. “The luxury market is as strong as ever along the North Shore, as evidenced by the low median days on market we've seen in January,” Field says. “Inventory is incredibly low and there are already a ton of luxury buyers out looking. I foresee even more luxury buyers in the market in the weeks and months ahead. For luxury buyers in 2022, patience may be the most important virtue. “The buyers I'm working with are in it for the long haul. They will continue to look until they find a house that meets their needs,” Field says. “They also know I'm on top of what will be coming on the market and that I will be able to get them the house that they want once we find it.” THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Thinking of buying or selling? Contact me! 847.204.5613 · colleenmcginnis@atproperties.com

! d l So A DV E R T I S I N G 8 4 7. 3 7 0 . 6 9 4 0 THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

NEWS

VIRTUAL TRUTHS THE ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER CONTINUES ITS STRONG COMMITMENT TO USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO TELL HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS’ STORIES. BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

With the opening last week of its new virtual reality (VR) exhibit, “The Journey Back,” the Il-

“The genesis of this goes back to the start of our applying breakthrough technology to powerful historical storytelling that came to fruition with our interactive Survivor Holograms,” Abrams says. “We helped to develop it with the USC Shoah Foundation starting in 2014 and

“The Journey Back” exhibit features two films, including one narrated by George Brent, Don’t Forget Me, about his experience at Auschwitz-Birkeanu.

linois Holocaust & Education Center continues its efforts to use cutting-edge technology to share the stories of Holocaust survivors and raise awareness among younger generations of the Holocaust and its impact. In a worldwide first for Holocaust education, the VR technology immerses people in a

transformative experience that goes beyond just seeing and hearing Holocaust stories on screen. The exhibit features 360-degree sound, video of present day and historic Auschwitz, and intimate memory sequences from Holocaust Survivors. A few years ago, the Museum opened its interactive Hologram Series, which allows visitors to ask questions of survivors and have them answered by holograms of survivors using voice recognition technology. During an interview, Susan Abrams, CEO of the Museum, said the new exhibit continues the commitment to telling survivor stories in new ways.

were the first in the world to debut it in 2017.” There’s a wall near the long entrance to the Museum with the inscription that reads, “Remember the Past, Transform the Future, “The Journey Back” does both, in equal parts by telling stories through a new, powerful medium. At the heart of the exhibit are two awardwinning short films narrated by Holocaust Survivors Fritzie Fritzshall and George Brent. Fritzshall, who passed away last year, was a long-time supporter of the museum and its mission. “We were laser focused on what we could, and should we be doing to collect and develop this content in the most Innovative and impactful ways, so that it could be available for generations to come,” says

Abrams. The Fritzshall film, A Promise Kept, tells the gripping life story of 13-year-old Fritzshall as she fulfills her promise to the 599 women who saved her life while imprisoned together. Each day, each woman would give Fritzshall a tiny portion of

goals of inspiring empathy, of motivating action against hate, and of creating a world where ‘never again’ is a reality.” One goal of “The Journey Back” is to reach out to the gaming generation, younger people who’ve grown up with 3-D technology and who are in-

The late Fritzie Fritzshall tells the story of surviving her experience in a work camp run by the Nazi regime in the film, A Promise Kept.

their daily rations to help keep her alive, with the hope she would one day be able to tell the story. Don’t Forget Me takes viewers on a journey back to Auschwitz, Mauthausen, and Ebensee concentration camps, revealing George Brent’s will to survive in the face of Nazi tyranny. Upon being separated from his father at the camps, Brent’s father told him, “don’t forget me.” The experience puts the viewer in the middle of the camps while watching both Fritzshall and Brent narrate their stories. We see the outside and inside of the camps, the barracks, and the spaces where countless Jews were murdered. “The participant does not just see and hear the Holocaust Survivors’ stories through a screen. Our VR technology transports the participants back to Holocaust sites today as they take a tour through one of the darkest chapters in history,” Abrams says. “We are sharing this opportunity with local and worldwide visitors with the

The new VR exhibit space at The Illinois Holocaust Museum features 360 surround sound and video along with swivel chairs. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EMILY MOHNEY

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

creasingly influenced by it. “These are the folks who are going to shape our future and the technology has a particular resonance with students and young people,” Abrams says. “Even older adults are absolutely taken with this and beyond moved by it, but the kids are intrigued, and I think it does help to draw interest and the groups of students who experienced it as we were beta testing were mesmerized.” Both films have received global recognition and awards from a variety of prestigious film festivals including World Premiere at South by Southwest, Jury Award Winner at Nashville Film Festival, Winner of Best VR Storytelling at Cinequest Film and VR Festival, official selection at Vancouver International Film Festival, and others. Studies have shown that the type of experiences offered through “The Journey Back" leads participants to not just learn but take positive action. Abrams says that was always part of the motivation for the exhibit. “If you are engaged in something that experience is much more imprinting and memorable to you, so with either the holograms where you're asking questions and driving a conversation or here with the VR, you're standing on that arrival ramp, you can spin around and see the entire camp is as it exists,” she says. “You're driving an experience in a way that makes it much more memorable. Hearing from an individual like this makes it more likely that you'll take action and stand up for yourself or others.” “The Journey Back” opened January 27 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. Theater seats are socially distanced, and headsets are cleaned after each use. Tickets are included in the price of admission, but reservations are required. For more information, visit ilholocaustmuseum.org. THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

THE 2022 ELKHART LAKE

SAVE THE DATE!

WEDDING Showcase

FEB 19TH 11AM TO 3PM

BROWSE THROUGH ELKHART LAKE'S FOUR PREMIERE WEDDING AND EVENT VENUES, MEET ON-SITE WEDDING PLANNERS AND VENDORS SUCH AS PHOTOGRAPHERS, DJS, FLORISTS AND MORE. ENJOY A GLASS OF BUBBLY AND A FEW TASTINGS AS YOU BEGIN TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING WEEKEND IN ELKHART LAKE.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR $10 AT ELKHARTLAKE.COM/WEDDINGS

ELKHARTLAKE.COM | 877-355-4278

Just Listed

1420 Sheridan Road #5D, Wilmette Offered at $975,000

Contact me for private viewing!

847.975.4756 cherylwaldstein@atproperties.com 1420sheridanroad5D.info

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

• 2 beds | 2.1 baths plus den • Luxury living Wilmette’s lakefront • Full balcony with lake views

• Floor to ceiling windows • Remodeled kitchen • New In-unit laundry

• Abundant storage • Valet garage parking • Pool and exercise room

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

NORTH SHORE FOODIE

CHOCOLATE CHERRY WHIPPED CREAM CAKE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

CHERRY FILLING AND TOPPING BY MONICA KASS ROGERS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Chocolate fudge and tender yellow cake layers with vanilla cream and cherry fillings, and cherries on the top! This beautiful cake is one fancy Valentine. The recipe makes a fourlayer cake, but we often make it with three as shown in the photos, saving one of the chocolate layers for another time.

• 2, 14.5-ounce cans tart red cherries in water • 1 jar cherry preserves • 3 tablespoons corn starch Strain cherries over a bowl for at least an hour, catching the juice. Reserve ½ cup of the juice; refrigerate the rest for another use. Once cherries have strained for an hour, place them on several thickness of paper toweling and gently press to remove any remaining juice without squashing

the cherries. Set aside to top the finished cake. Place cherry preserves in a small sauce pan over medium low heat, stirring occasionally for three minutes. Stir cornstarch into the ½ cup cherry juice you strained from the canned cherries. Whisk cornstarch juice mixture into the cherry preserves and continue cooking, stirring until the resulting cherry gel is cooked and clear. Remove from heat. Refrigerate cherry gel while you make the vanilla pudding and the cakes.

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

VANILLA PUDDING (PASTRY CREAM)

• • • •

½ cup whole milk 2 tablespoons cornstarch Yolks from 7 large eggs 1 vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise • 6 tablespoons pure cane sugar • ½ tsp salt • 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream METHOD: In a medium-sized bowl,

whisk cornstarch into milk; add egg yolks and whisk well. Set aside. Place the sugar and salt in a second medium-sized bowl. Using the tip THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

NORTH SHORE FOODIE

of a knife, scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the sugar. Use a whisk or fork to evenly mix the seeds with the sugar. Put a ⅓ cup measure near your stove top. Place the vanilla sugar in a medium-sized heavy-gauge pot and add the cream and the scraped vanilla bean halves. Whisk over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat. Scoop ⅓ cup of the hot sugared cream into the reserved egg yolk mixture; whisk to combine. Place the cream pot back on your stovetop and whisk all of the tempered egg-yolk mixture into the cream. Continue whisking for up 3 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens into a pudding. Remove from heat; remove the vanilla bean. Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl, pour the pudding into the strainer and using the back of a wooden spoon, press the pudding through the strainer. Immediately cover the top of the pudding with a sheet of plastic wrap, pressing to ensure there is no air between the pudding and the wrap. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Once room temperature, place pudding in refrigerator while you make the cakes FUDGE CAKE INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • •

2, 9-inch cake pans 2 cups sugar 3 large egg 1 cup vegetable oil 4 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup sour cream 1 ⅓ cups Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder OR if you can’t find that, use Dutch process cocoa powder • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda • ¾ teaspoon salt • 1 ⅓ cups cake flour • 1 cup all-purpose flour METHOD: Preheat oven to 350.

Prepare two, 9-inch baking pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper circles. (Note: you can also cut the circles out of clean THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

paper grocery bags.) In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat sugar and eggs for three minutes until fluffy and lemon colored. Blend in oil, sour cream and vanilla and beat two minutes more. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine boiling water and cocoa powder, whisking to insure there are no clumps. Mix in the soda and salt: the mixture will foam up. Pour into the batter and incorporate. Add flour at low speed and mix just until blended and smooth, scraping sides of bowl as necessary. Pour into the prepared pans. Rap each one sharply on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes until cake springs back when lightly touched on the top. Remove from oven let rest in pans for ten minutes. Turn onto cooling racks and cool cakes completely. Note: If just using one of the layers to make a three-layer cake, wrap one of the chocolate layers and freeze for use another time.

cream and all of the vanilla. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment, combine the sugar, flour, baking powder and salt, whisking at low speed for three minutes. Add the butter cubes and the remaining cup milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes at low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until you have a smooth batter. With mixer on low speed, add the reserved egg yolk mixture to the batter in three parts, mixing each until just incorporated, before adding the next. Evenly divide the batter between the two buttered cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cake springs back when touched at the center. Remove cake pans to a cooling rack; cool for 10 minutes. Turn cake layers out of pans to finish cooling.

½ cup of the whipped cream for the top of the finished cake. VANILLA CREAM

• ½ cup of the stabilized whipped cream • 3 cups of the vanilla pudding METHOD: Using a gentle over and

under motion, fold the whipped cream into the pudding until incorporated. Chill in refrigerator until ready to assemble cake.

STABILIZED WHIPPED CREAM

CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS

• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin powder • 2 ½ tablespoons tepid water • 3 cups heavy whipping cream • pinch of salt • 2 to 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 2 good quality semi-sweet chocolate bars, grated TO ASSEMBLE CAKE: Place fudge

layer on cake plate. Pipe whipped cream around the inside edge. • 2, 9-inch cake pans Combine the cherry gel you made earlier with the reserved cherries. • 2 tablespoons butter (for buttering • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Fill whipped cream circle you just cake pans) METHOD: Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons made with ½ of the cherry filling. • 6 large egg yolks of unflavored gelatin over 2 ½ Place one of the yellow cake layers • 1 ¼ cup whole milk tablespoons of tepid water. Allow over the cherries. Pipe whipped • ½ cup sour cream to bloom while you work with the cream around the inside edge of the • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla cream. Place three cups of heavy yellow cake layer; fill the whipped • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar whipping cream in the bowl of cream circle you just made with • 3 cups cake flour a stand mixer fitted with whisk a layer of vanilla cream. If making attachment. Add a pinch of salt. four-layer cake, place remaining • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon bakAnd 2 to 3 tablespoons powdered fudge layer next, covering with ing powder sugar. Whip cream until it begins more vanilla cream. Place the final • 1 teaspoon salt to thicken, but does not yet hold a yellow layer on top of the cake. • 1 ¾ sticks unsalted butter, softened, peak. Stop mixer. Heat the bloomed Cover the sides of the cake with cut into cubes gelatin in the microwave in 5 second whipped cream. Pipe whipped METHOD: Place rack in the center increments just until melted and cream around the top edge of the of the oven and preheat to 350˚F. clear (about 20 seconds.) Stir in cake to make a raised edge; fill in Prepare two, 9-inch baking pans by the vanilla extract. Turn mixer on the whipped cream circle with the greasing them well with the butter medium speed and in whip in the remainder of the cherry filling. Pat and lining them with parchment melted gelatin in a steady stream. the chocolate shavings around the paper circles. (Note: If you don’t Increase mixer speed to high until sides of the cake. Decoratively pipe have parchment paper, you can also cream holds peaks. Turn off mixer. one more circle of whipped cream cut the circles out of clean paper Remove ½ cup of the cream to around the top of the cake, rimming bags.) whisk into the vanilla pudding to the cherries. Chill finished cake in In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks make the Vanilla Diplomat Cream very cold refrigeration for at least with ¼ cup of the milk, the sour for the cake filling. Remove another an hour before serving. YELLOW CAKE

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

2036 Lake Avenue

1212 Oak Street

315 Old Green Bay Road

1917 Greenwood Avenue

1152 Asbury Avenue

2221 Birchwood Lane

LISTED & SOLD 342 Forest Street

840 Lamson Drive

LISTED & SOLD 1161 Chatfield Road

Thank you to my family, friends, and clients for

making me the #1 Individual Agent in the Winnetka Coldwell Banker Office in 2021 with over 49.9 million* in closed and pending sales. 340 Woodland Avenue

111 Thorntree Lane

Wishing everyone a prosperous and healthy 2022!

84 Indian Hill Road

117 Woodley Road

DINNY DWYER 847.217. 5146 Dinny.Dwyer@cbexchange.com 2222 Birchwood Lane

27 Indian Hill Road

400 Lincoln Avenue

1270 Forest Glen Drive

429 Maple Street

2419 Fox Meadow Circle

261 Birch Street

*Data from MLS/Broker Metrics 1/1-12/31/2021, sourced 1/21/2022. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

69 Brier Street

190 S. Suffolk Lane

199 Forest Street

690 Elder Lane

2122 Middlefork Road

1500 Sheridan Road Unit 5F

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

468 Linden Avenue

23 Old Green Bay Road

414 Linden Street

752 Sunset Road

342 Forest Street

651 Hibbard Road

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Tallmadge and Watson Masterpiece | 60 Hazel Avenue, Glencoe, Illinois • Striking traditional home in a prime location with park and lake views! • Grand entrance foyer with exceptional millwork and intricate staircase including terrazzo floors. • Cook’s kitchen highlighted by an expansive island, high-end appliances, custom cabinets, spacious breakfast area and wonderful views of the park. • Serene primary suite complete with fireplace, sitting area, luxurious bath, generous closet space and lake views. • Three additional bedrooms with ensuite baths and a laundry room on the second floor. • Third floor with two bedrooms, a jack and jill bath, tree top views of the lake and exquisite leaded glass windows. • Outstanding pool house with great room, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, kitchen, and movie room, opens to incredible pool with terrace, fire pit and lake views. • A truly remarkable offering! • 16 rooms | 6 bedrooms | 6 full and 2 half-baths | New Price

DINNY DWYER

KATHLEEN BAUER

847.217. 5146

847.271.5146

Dinny.Dwyer@cbexchange.com

Kathleen.Bauer@cbrealty.com

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022 |

S U N D AY B R E A K FA S T

ROCKIN’ AND GIVIN’ LIFELONG LOVE OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MUSIC MATCHES THE GENEROSITY OF C0-FOUNDER JEFF GERCHENSON AND HIS HIGHLAND PARK-BASED BASEMENT BAND MATES. BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Lifelong Highland Park resident Jeff Gerchenson was 9 years old and the thrilled owner of an acoustic guitar—given to him by his mother, Bernice—when the thought of practicing the instrument was akin to a chore. “My mother also arranged for me to take oncea-week guitar lessons in our living room,” recalls Gerchenson, now 73. “My instructor was Chick Johnston, an old guy who was legally blind. He had this all-maple guitar, with blonde sides. Took lessons from him for years. “But I wasn’t into practicing. My mother forced me to practice.” Decades later, as a rhythm guitarist and singer for the Basement Band, a rock ‘n’ roll cover band comprised solely of Baby Boomers with Highland Park ties, the same Jeff Gerchenson couldn’t wait to practice for hours with his band mates in his Highland Park basement. They jammed on Tuesday nights. Gerchenson—a co-founder of the group, with Bill Fiely, in 1988—had turned his basement into a rehearsal studio, sound system included. “I loved practicing, so much so that I’d sometimes fly home from business trips on Tuesdays,” says Gerchenson, who, for nearly a half-century, worked for his family’s business, a non-pharmaceutical company. “I still love practicing; missing a Basement Band practice session is never an option. We all love to play—music is a constant in our lives, an anchor. It’s also therapy for us, because when we’re playing, we’re having a blast.” And performing iconic ‘60s, ’70s and early ’80s rock songs for nothing. The Basement Band has donated every cent of every dollar figure it would receive for entertaining at a variety of venues since redirecting a gig fee to a pediatric AIDS foundation in the 1990s. Other organizations that have been recipients of the band’s yearly generosity include Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Keshet, and a group committed to brain cancer research. Tens of thousands of dollars, Gerchenson notes, have filled the coffers of charitable entities rather than the pockets of Basement Band members. “In some instances, we write band checks, 100 percent of funds received, to an organization, and in other instances we ask that checks be written directly to the charitable institution,” Gerchenson says. “Some events are straight fundraisers, where we donate our services. The band has never been about me, the oldest guy—the band’s ‘Charlie Watts’. I’ve always been grateful to be a part of something special. “We’re performing strictly because of our love of music … and love of being together in a band, enjoying constant camaraderie, and doing some

good along the way.” The Basement Band’s first core featured Gerchenson, Fiely, drummer Jeff Bennett, and the late Larry Finder, who had replaced Ed Farbman after Farbman’s move to Arizona. Fiely’s brotherin-law Gary Hirsch served as the band’s initial “honorary manager,” Gerchenson says. The band later welcomed Michael and Laurie Young, and two years ago Bill Brichta—a classmate of Finder at Highland Park High School— joined as lead guitarist.

The band has never been about me, the oldest guy—the band’s ‘Charlie Watts’. I’ve always been grateful to be a part of something special.

“Bill sat in with us on a Tuesday night session,” recalls Gerchenson, a 1966 Highland Park High School graduate. “As soon as he started playing, it was like nirvana. What a fabulous guitarist. Plus, he’s a good guy with a good personality.” Brichta’s friend Larry Ruder took over as keyboardist after local dentist Steve Fenchel packed his ivories and dental instruments and moved to Palm Springs, California. The Basement Band, now a septet, last performed in August at its third Food Truck Thursday— organized by Noah Plotkin, of Life

Jeff Gerchenson

| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

Rhythms, Inc. —at Jens Jensen Park in Highland Park. The band has also elicited toe-tapping and head-nodding and impromptu dancing from audiences at a slew of other venues, including the now-closed Bertucci’s in Highwood, Lake Shore Country Club in Glencoe, Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, Multiplex Athletic Club (now Sachs Recreation Center) in Deerfield, Norton’s Restaurant in Highland Park, and Park West in Chicago. The Basement Band opened for the rock band Turtles at Park West nearly 15 years ago, in an event staged for Highland Park High School alumni celebrating their 60th birthday. Among the former 59-year-olds that year was Gerchenson. “Members of the Turtles could not have been nicer to us,” Gerchenson says. “They treated all of us like real musicians.” Gerchenson became a first-time band musician after passing an audition for the garage band Del-Vetts in the early 1960s. He was a Highland Park High School freshman at the time—and a rookie tuba player for the school’s band. Members of the Del-Vetts attended either HPHS or Deerfield High School and performed at the O’Hare Inn, after local basketball games, and at North Shore teen clubs, including Winnetka-based Rolling Stone (aka “The Stone”), which closed after a three-year run in 1967. The Del-Vetts cut a demo and appeared on the cover of the Deerfield Review in 1963, when each issue of the newspaper cost 15 cents. Gerchenson left the band to attend the University of Denver, where he majored in psychology. “I was glued to the radio in Denver, listening to the Rolling Stones and the Zombies and other rock groups,” says Gerchenson, an avid fan of the Eagles. “I’d loved music ever since I was a kid listening to WCFL and Dick Biondi’s shows on WLS. Before the Beatles I admired music by Elvis, Carl Pickens, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly. “My favorite songs? ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ (Beatles) and ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’ (Eagles) are up there. But my all-time favorite song is ‘Johnny B. Goode’ by Chuck Berry.” Gerchenson met his future wife, Chicago South Side native and pianist Jodie, on a blind date. They got married in 1972 and raised four children: Shelbi, 46; Micah, 44; Kate, 41; and Jaclyn, 37. The Basement Band turns 34 this year. Thirtyfour. “That can’t be normal, a band being together for that long and still going, with all of its members connected to the same town,” Gerchenson says. “Music got me juiced; that’s why my basement became a rehearsal studio for the band all those years ago. You know what we all did? You know why we’re all happy today? We found out what we love to do, and then we did it. “Everyone,” he adds, “should do that.” THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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| SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 2022

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