Representatives from the Ten Schools Admission Organization will host two events in the Chicago area in early November to talk to parents and students about the advantages of a boarding school education. pg8
Meet Joseph Severino and learn more about his independent “write in” campaign for the U.S. 10th Congressional District pg16
Whether
Choate Rosemary Hall
Deerfield Academy
The Hill School
The Hotchkiss School
The Lawrenceville School
The Loomis Chaffee School
Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Exeter Academy
St. Paul’s School
The Taft School
10%
Check our Instagram & Facebook pages for more details or sign up for our
10 north shore doings
Your go-to guide for all the latest local events this month
14 in memoriam
We celebrate the incredible life of Mary Louise (Dole) Buzard, an enterprising journalist who was ahead of her time
16 #hashtag
Lake Forest businessman and philanthropist Joseph Severino talks about his “write-in” run for the U.S. 10th Congressional District
18 north shore foodie
Our savory Ancho-braised Lamb Shank recipe is meant to be cooked low and slow
20 weekend beauty
Elevate your fall beauty routine with these premier facial products
22 sunday breakfast
Land of 10,000 Lakes native Alex Ty Kovach has been serving the Land of Lincoln as its Lake County Forest Preserve District executive director since 2013
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BY MITCH
Ever wonder what it would be like for your child to get an education where they could live and study with peers in a beautiful setting?
The first weekend in November, North Shore parents and their high school-aged students will be able to learn more about 10 of the top boarding schools in the Northeast United States at two events hosted by the Ten Schools Admission Organization (TSAO). The first will be held at the Chicago City Day School on Saturday, November 2, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The second event will be held at Lake Forest Country Day School on Sunday, November 3, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Schools represented include Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut; Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts; The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania; The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut; The Lawrenceville School in Lawrence, New Jersey; The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut; Phillips Academy Andover in Andover, Massachu-
tions and introduce families to the advantages boarding schools have to offer.
“TSAO events introduce families to the advantages of a boarding school education, discuss why they might consider it as an option for their child, and address any questions they might have,” says Lauren Gold, Director of Scholarship Aid at The Lawrenceville School.
Gold grew up in California and ended up at one of the 10 schools even though her family was unfamiliar with boarding schools. She enjoys hitting the road and telling her story to families that are intrigued by the idea.
“I always give families kudos for exploring this option and supporting their child in going away to school, as it is the path less followed, but it often results in great growth for the student.”
Like many who make the choice to attend boarding school, Gold had her fair share of skeptics.
“Boarding school was unknown to most of my peers in California, but it changed my life,” Gold says. “Now I like to share the value of boarding school with others.”
Amanda Bohnsack, Director of Enrollment at The Taft School, says the events are an opportunity for school administrators to
to learn from the time they wake up in the morning until they go to bed.”
Student body diversity is another defining aspect of Taft and its fellow boarding schools in
Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire; St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire; and The Taft School in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The annual events allow admissions representatives from the 10 schools to showcase the unique aspects of their respective institu-
talk about the unique learning environments boarding schools have to offer.
“Because students live on campus, they have the opportunity to learn and be with teachers and peers in the classroom but also the dining hall , the stage, the fields, and the dorms,” Bohnsack says. “It allows students
school environment.”
For those kids who do come, they can count on dedicated faculty and staff to make sure their high school experience exceeds their expectations.
“As a faculty member, teaching and living in a boarding environment is all-encompassing,” adds Bohnsack. “Yet we get to work with exceptional students and families making it all worthwhile.”
the Northeast.
“There’s not a day school out there that could assemble our student body,” says Bohnsack. “We enroll students from all over the country and the world who bring all of their experiences, talents, and cultures to our campuses. That can’t be replicated in a day
TSAO events will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. November 2 at the Chicago Day School (at 541 W. Hawthorne Place in Chicago) and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on November 3 at Lake Forest Country Day School (at 145 S. Green Bay Road in Lake Forest). Visit tsao.org/ events for more information or to register.
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OCTOBER 5
ST. JUDE DREAM
CHICAGO
WHERE: Millennium Park
The 4th annual St. Jude Dream Chicago event is taking place at 5 p.m. Enjoy gourmet food from Chicago’s best restaurants, hand-crafted cocktails, live entertainment featuring Sixteen Candles, free parking, and one-of-akind experiences. The evening will support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer, and other life-threatening diseases. Get tickets at stjude. org/dreamchicago.
OCTOBER 5
JAZZ & JOKES 2024
WHERE: Lake Bluff Park District
From 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., enjoy a night of music from Lake County Symphony’s Jazz Quartet and comedy from Laura Hugg, Christian Henningsmeyer, and Hari Rao. There will be a 50/50 raffle, live auction, and paddle raise. Food and drinks will be available during the night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $35 each. lakebluffparks.org
OCTOBER 5 TO 6
THE GREAT HIGHWOOD PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
WHERE: Downtown Highwood
The annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival returns! This year’s beneficiary will be Kids Rank, a nonprofit that benefits military children. To reflect this, the skeletons that decorate the streets of Highwood will be dressed up as characters from superhero movies. Highwood will also be looking to break
the Guinness World Records for the longest line of pies of 2,209 set in 2021. They will be partnering with military chefs and other local bakeries, restaurants, and groceries to make pumpkin pies. They will be donated to nonprofits after the festival. In addition to this, there will be live music, a variety of food vendors, costume contests, and carnival rides. celebratehighwood.org
OCTOBER 5 TO 6 CHICAGO AT THE MILLENNIUM: PAINTINGS BY JILL JEANNIDES
WHERE: Friendly Community Gallery
Acclaimed Lake Forest artist Jill Jeannides passed away unexpectedly in 2021, leaving behind a captivating collection of art now managed by her family. An exhibition of Jeannides’ work titled “Chicago at the Millennium” will showcase paintings of Chicago at the turn of the last century. These works include Grant Park, the Loop, and Ukrainian Village, and are all available for purchase. jilljeannidesart.com
OCTOBER 5 TO 23
LFOLA’S NATIVE TREE SALE PRE-ORDER
WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
Pre-order from Mellody Farm Nature Preserve’s exciting selection of native trees and shrubs prior to its Native Tree Sale on October 26. Expert staff will be on hand with advice to help you pick the perfect plant companions for your space. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enhance your garden while connecting with nature. lfola.org
OCTOBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 1
STORYTIME ADVENTURE
WHERE: Mellody Nature Farm Preserve
Calling all children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Join Lake Forest Open
Lands Association (LFOLA) for an hour of fun exploring Mellody Farm Nature Preserve from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Friday. Kids will explore through stories, songs, and hiking. Each week they’ll read a new story and explore the prairie, wetland, and woodland. You are welcome to drop off your child or join for the duration of activities. lfola.org
OCTOBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 3
NOISES OFF
WHERE: Steppenwolf Theatre
Chicago’s iconic Steppenwolf Theatre Company kicked off its 49th season last month with a revival of Michael Frayn’s classic comedy Noises Off, directed by Tony Award-winning ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro of Evanston (August: Osage County, The Minutes), presented in a co-production with Geffen Playhouse. Playing at Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, the farce chronicles the cast and crew of Nothing On as they scramble to prepare for opening night. Onstage antics collide with offstage foibles in a classic comedy that writes an ingenious, slapstick, and zany tribute to “theater people” everywhere. By the end of this dizzying play-within-a-play, you won’t know stage right from left. steppenwolf.org.
OCTOBER 5 TO FEBRUARY 25, 2025 “KENILWORTH
CENTENNIAL HOMES”
WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society
Explore the history of Kenilworth’s oldest homes and celebrate their architecturalsignificance with a dynamic exhibit that chronicles the evolution of residential development in the village. The homes featured in this exhibit were built between 1889 and
1924. kenilworthhistory.org
OCTOBER 8
DOORS OPEN DISHES
2024 FUNDRAISER: CELEBRATING SMILES
WHERE: LeTour Restaurant, Evanston
Doors Open Dishes is a nonprofit whose mission is to partner with local chefs and restaurants to benefit those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Join Doors Open Dishes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for its inaugural fundraiser, a seated four-course dinner featuring dishes from top Chicago chefs, premier pairings from DAOU, and special stories. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Susan Schnitzler Happy Faces Fund and address the oftenoverlooked dental care needs of the disabled community. doorsopendishes.org
OCTOBER 10
SIT & KNIT
WHERE: Northfield Public Library
Spend the afternoon with fellow knitters in the Community Room at Northfield Public Library. From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. adults of all levels of experience are welcome. Basic supplies will be provided and library staff will be present to assist. Registra-
tion is required. wnpld.org
OCTOBER 11
NATURE’S TEATIME
WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., join AJ Morris, Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s environmental educator, for a gentle saunter through the prairie. Participants will identify various plant species, learn how they were used historically, and how you can utilize them today. The program will end with a tea and infusion tasting of local prairie plants. lfola.org
OCTOBER 11
CONSERVATION
COCKTAILS: HAWKWATCHING IN NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS
WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
Vic Berardi of the Illinois Beach State Park Hawkwatch will join Lake Forest Open Lands Association from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss his extensive work studying hawks, focusing particularly on species both resident and migrating through Lake County. Also, a wildlife photographer, his presentation will include beautiful photos of raptors regularly seen. Participants will learn favorable times
during the year for sightings of each species and trends over the 24 years of data collecting. lfola.org
OCTOBER 12
BRANCHING OUT: A TREE IDENTIFICATION TOUR
WHERE: Winnetka Library
From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., enjoy a walk and time to enjoy native trees with TreeKeeper Lynn Zaransky. The tour will begin on the patio at the Winnetka Library and continue to the Village Green. Dress for the weather and expect to walk half a mile. This program is for ages 15 and up. wnpld.org
OCTOBER 12 TO 13 THE GROUNDWATER COLLECTIVE
WHERE: Carriage House Gallery of the Oak Park Art League
For one weekend only, The Groundwater Collective will share an eclectic gathering of its works. This group has been meeting to critique and share art and life stories over the last 20 years. Experience this jubilant exhibition from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. All works are for sale and artists can accept cash or check. Some may accept
Continued from PG 10 payment by Zelle, PayPal, or major credit cards. oakparkartleague.org
OCTOBER 13
NORTH SHORE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
WHERE: Evanston
Celebrating its 44th season, the North Shore Chamber Orchestra, led by guest conductor Dr. Allan Dennis, will present an all-Beethoven program at 3:30 p.m. at its new home at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Hear Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture, Romanza in F Major, Op. 50 for Violin” with soloist Christopher GottardiLittell, and “Symphony No. 3 Eroica”. Tickets are available at the door. Children 18 and under are admitted free. Special pricing of $10 per person are available for groups of 10 or more.
northshorechamberorchestra.org
Garden
Enjoy a frightfully fun fall evening with professionally carved pumpkins to get you in the Halloween spirit. There will be costumed entertainers, live carving demos, as well as seasonal light fare and drinks for sale. Costumes are encouraged and tickets are available now. chicagobotanic.org
OCTOBER 17
HABITAT HELPERS AT MALLINCKRODT PARK WORKDAY
WHERE: Mallinckrodt Park
Connect with the earth and get your hands dirty from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Participants will weed native plant beds at Mallinckrodt Park. Bring drinking water, gardening gloves, and dress for the weather. Trowels and tools will be provided by the Wilmette Park District. wilmettepark.org
OCTOBER 14 TO DECEMBER 31
JOB CENTER ON THE MOVE
WHERE: Highwood Library and Community Center
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lake County’s Workforce Development will be hosting its weekly program to help the job seekers in the community find careers. This program will focus on oneon-one resume development, job training, internships, career transitions, and more. No appointment is necessary. highwoodlibrary.org
OCTOBER 16 TO 20, 23, & 27
NIGHT OF 1,000 JACK-O’LANTERNS WHERE: Chicago Botanic
OCTOBER 18 TO 26
RECYCLED ART SALE
WHERE: The Art Center, Highland Park
The Recycled Art Sale returns with an opening night celebration on Friday beginning at 5 p.m. The ticketed party will allow a one-hour first look at this year’s collection and include light bites, cocktails, and a DJ. The sale itself will run for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day and will have evening hours till 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Items include a wide range of 2-D art pieces, sculpture, jewelry and other objects. Tickets for the Opening Night Party and Opening Weekend are on sale now. theartcenterhp.org
OCTOBER 19
MINI PUMPKIN
DECORATING
WHERE: Northfield Public Library
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., children ages 1 to 4 can decorate mini pumpkins with an accompanying adult. Use stickers, gems, and other craft materials to decorate the pumpkins. Registration is required. wnpld.org
OCTOBER 19
WICKED WILMETTE 2024
WHERE: Hibbard Park
OCTOBER 18 TO 19
GHOST WALK
WHERE: Lake Bluff History Museum
Lake Bluff History Museum’s Ghost Walk is happening beneath an almost full moon with a “Classic Hollywood Horror” theme. Ghost Walk resurrects true stories from the darker side of Lake Bluff’s past and retells them with a twist guaranteed to raise both the hair on your neck and your interest in local history. Advance purchase is recommended. Tickets cost $45 and are available at lakebluffhistory.org
Start the day with a selfled, leisurely Scarecrow Walk through Downtown Highland Park, where businesses will showcase the spirit of the season from noon to 5 p.m. with unique decorated scarecrows in front of their stores. Head back to The Lot to cast your vote for “Best in Show Scarecrow” and commemorate the fall season with scarecrow-themed family fun, kids’ activities, live music, food, decorations, and more.
OCTOBER 20
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT GUIDED WALKING TOURS
WHERE: Ravine Bluffs Subdivision
See the third largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright homes with the Glencoe Historical Society’s guided walking tours, which begin at 2 p.m. Learn more about the history of Wright’s work in Glencoe, the Ravine Bluff’s subdivision, and the preservation of the relocated Wright-designed cottage. Reservations are required and tickets are $30 per person or $20 for members. For reservations, visit glencoehistory.org.
OCTOBER 24
Enjoy a family friendly event at 2 p.m. at Hibbard Park, filled with inflatables, face painting, magic shows, games, and more. Collect various giveaways and treats at the different Spooky Stations and explore the pumpkin patch for a pumpkin to decorate. This event is recommended for children ages 12 and under. A registration fee is required for children only, $25 for residents and $32 for non-residents. An accompanying adult must be present for the entire event. There will be free event parking and a Haunted Shuttle Bus at Centennial Parking Lot between 1:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. wilmettepark.org
OCTOBER 19
SCARECROW FEST
WHERE: The Lot
LLOYD WRIGHT
WHERE: Driehaus Museum
Explore the fascinating collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s early photography in this brand-new exhibit. It will include images by leading photographers who documented his work as well as photos taken by the architect himself. Wright’s fascination with photography allowed him to pursue his hobby and use it as a technique of making his architecture accessible to the public. This exhibition offers insight into how photography influenced public perception of his work. driehausmuseum.org
OCTOBER 25
PUMPKIN FEST
WHERE: Hubbard Woods Park
brews while listening to live blues music and cozying up around warm fire pits and heaters.
THE MUSIC INSTITUTE’S FALL FUNDRAISER
WHERE: Nichols Hall, Evanston
PICTURE PERFECT
WHERE: Kenilworth Assembly Hall
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., join Kenilworth Historical Society (KHS) for its Biennial Dinner, “Picture Perfect: Kenilworth Through the Lens of Its Iconic Homes”’ This evening will celebrate the village’s beloved residences alongside KHS’s latest exhibit, “Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889-1924.”
Renowned architectural historian and author Susan Benjamin will lead guests through a visual journey of Kenilworth’s architectural history. Reservations are available now. kenilworthhistory.org
OCTOBER 24 TO JANUARY 5, 2025
PHOTOGRAPHING FRANK
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Hubbard Woods Park will be transformed into a pumpkin patch for the family to enjoy! The event will include pumpkin decorating, carnival games, bounce houses, a DJ, costume contest, and more. Costume contest registration will begin at 4:30 p.m. and winners will be announced around 5:30 p.m. Costume categories include most original, scariest, and funniest. Participants must register to receive a pumpkin and decorations. Depending on availability, pumpkins may be purchased at the event. winpark.org
NOVEMBER 2
STEWS & BREWS & BOOZE & BLUES
WHERE: The Lot Stews & Brews is not your ordinary chili cook-off or craft beer fest. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., this event offers attendees an array of cold-weather comfort foods like chili, pozole, lamb stew, beef stroganoff, Hungarian goulash, potpies, and a variety of soups. Attendees can pair their dish of choice with dozens of unique brews, including craft beers, spiced wine, hot toddies, mulled ciders, and more. Attendees will enjoy their stews and
The Music Institute of Chicago presents a joyful afternoon of performances by faculty and students, beginning at 3 p.m., that will culminate in a community sing. The program features performances by members of the Music Institute’s world-class faculty, as well as selected students and ensembles from its Community Music School and Academy for gifted pre-college musicians. A photo booth, meet and greet, and sweet treats for every guest follow the performance in the lobby. This event is free to attend and donations are encouraged. musicinst.org
WHERE: Highland Park Community House Randolph Street Market celebrates its 21st anniversary with two remote “Vintage Shindig” events held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The popular Chicago festival brings more than 40 indoor and outdoor vendors to Highland Park, including artists, housewares, fashion, makers, and food. The lively event will offer an ultra-curated, high-quality selection of antiques, vintage and modern goods for fall, and winter fashion and home décor with a focus on indoor living spaces. Treasure hunters and entertainmentseekers alike will be delighted by the live DJ, fun cocktails, appetizers, and more to enjoy throughout the day(s). Tickets are on sale now for $10 and kids under age 12 are free. randolphstreetmarket.com
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.
BY
Mary Louise (Dole) Buzard, an enterprising journalist who forged an impressive career in publishing, died July 12 at the age of 99.
When Eleanor Roosevelt visited Milwaukee in 1952, she was greeted at the depot by a plethora of Wisconsin dignitaries and journalists eager to have the ear of first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. What these local leaders didn’t know was that Mrs. Roosevelt had already given an interview to a young reporter from the Milwaukee Journal, Mary Louise Dole, while riding the train from Chicago to Milwaukee.
Wanting a shot at interviewing the former First Lady and knowing no such opportunity would be handed to her, Mary travelled to Chicago and managed to get on the same train, into the same compartment, nabbing a seat next to the former First Lady.
This trailblazing spirit guided Mary throughout her decades-long career in journalism, even though she didn’t even get a byline for her efforts that day.
Mary died at her home in Evanston on July 12, leaving behind family, friends and an impressive resume. A longtime resident of the North Shore, she and her late husband, the Rev. Clifford Buzard, moved to Westminster Place in Evanston in the early 1990s after living in Wilmette for more than 20 years, where they raised two sons.
Mary was born in Milwaukee on May 7, 1925, to Louise (née Voight) and Osmyn Dole. An only child, she was treasured by her parents, aunt and uncle, and both sets of grandparents. Her father served as a Navy ensign in World War I and later worked in sales, insurance, and education. She described her mother as a striking woman “who looked fabulous in a cloche, chemise and opera-length pearls”—high fashion in the Roaring Twenties.
Always a wordsmith, Mary wrote that her maternal grandfather resembled the gentleman on the Smiths Brothers cough drops box, while her father’s father looked like Santa Claus without a beard. She looked up to her paternal grandmother, Mary Rosalia Early Dole, and by all accounts they had more in common than just their first name. She wrote that her Grandmother Dole “was an articulate, outspoken, well-informed woman who could hold her own in any male-dominated conversation.”
Mary “discovered the magic of words
and the challenge of writing” while a student at Lake Forest High School, which she attended when her father was stationed at the Great Lakes Navy Base.
After graduating from LFHS in 1943, she enrolled in the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1947 with a degree in journalism and advertising. Already employed at the Milwaukee Journal by the time the graduation ceremony was held, Mary attended it as a reporter with a press badge and camera rather than wearing cap and gown.
During sophomore year, in 1945, her father was stationed at Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco Bay. While visiting her parents over the summer and working a civilian job at the base, Mary met and became engaged to “a dashing young Naval officer,” but she broke it off after visiting him at his Texas home and
realizing he didn’t want his wife to pursue a professional career.
Fortunately, Mary’s second, equally dashing fiancé, Cliff, had no such expectation. They met in 1947 on the first day of her job as a general assignment reporter for the Milwaukee Journal, which was also the first day of Cliff’s job there. A young woman being employed by a major metropolitan daily right out of J-school was almost unheard of in those days. She worked on the city desk for a year before becoming the primary feature writer for the women’s section, traveling the U.S. to cover topics such as women succeeding in male-dominated careers.
Cliff left journalism for a career in ministry, studying at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston. The two were married in 1953 and enjoyed 41 years together until he died in 1994.
During the early years of their marriage Mary worked part-time while raising their sons, John-Paul, born in 1955, and David Andrew, born in 1963. Her jobs included being PR manager for Seabury-Western and part-time correspondent for Mademoiselle magazine.
After David was old enough for preschool, Mary went to work at the Episcopal Diocese in Chicago, writing, editing, and producing its monthly magazine, Advance. Later jobs included working as a writer/editor for the Pioneer Press and Director of Communications for Kendall College. From 1973 to 1985, she led Northwestern University’s publications department, retiring as University Editor. She was the first woman to head a publications department of a major university and the first woman to be elected president of the Big Ten Publications Managers Association.
Retirement came before she was ready, due to low-back pain exacerbated by stress. At age 60, instead of working at a job she excelled at, her efforts were directed at managing pain. She had surgery and worked with physical therapists, went on walks, and learned to swim to heal her back. She also had to contend with the emotional lows caused by lack of status and purpose. She called this “the pits.”
But she didn’t stay retired or in “the pits” for long. Determined to enter the “older generation” with grace, humor, and dignity, she found meaningful work as a volunteer for her parish and as a paid freelance editor—developing periodicals for the Center for Ethics and Corporate Policy in Chicago and for Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. At Westminster Place, she served on many committees and boards and edited its award-winning publication
The Chimes
Mary is survived by her sons John Paul (wife Linda Buzard) and David Andrew; four grandchildren, Clementine Elisabeth Mary Holman (husband Daniel Holman), Stephen Michael Buzard, Victor Clifford Buzard (wife Kameron Delosantos), and Katherine Elizabeth Buzard (husband Robert Grisbrook); and three great-grandchildren, Oliver Charles Holman, Caroline Natsuku Delosantos Buzard, and Louis David Buzard.
EDITED BY WOLFGANG PHILLIPS ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
I have books positioned throughout my home, each chosen depending on what I feel like reading at the moment. Currently, on my nightstand, I’m reading Genius of Israel, a book that celebrates the resilient mindset of the Israeli people as they navigate a turbulent times, continuing to strive mentally, physically, and emotionally beyond the traditional limits of the human condition. I’m also reading Negotiation Genius, written by one of my Harvard professors, Deepak Malhotra. Both books relate well to my Congressional run because we have to negotiate our way through a very turbulent political environment while growing and getting back to celebrating our neighbors.
#ON MY MOBILE
I enjoy TED talks and short documentaries, usually autobiographical or cultural. I listen to different political personalities and world news. As a real estate investor, I spend time learning of investment opportunity. Being Greek and Italian, family cuisine is a part of my life and I follow some cooking shows.
JOSEPH SEVERINO is a father of five, including four girls and a boy. “I’ve been married for 22 years and I’ve been a business owner and leader in the investment and hospitality sector for almost 30 years,” says Severino, a Lake Forest philanthropist who gives back to the community in a variety of ways, including founding an organization that supports children’s hospitals. As the Republican nominee for the U.S. 10th Congressional District in 2022, he quickly realized that “neither party is serving the will of our community.” This is why he decided to run as an independent “write in” candidate in the November 5 election. “One of our platforms is to create a new North Shore where we can bridge the wealth divide between the southern and northern areas of the district to create better opportunity for those that are struggling,” says Severino, reminding voters that they need to write his name, Joseph Severino, on the ballot when they vote next month. This busy professional took time from his busy schedule recently to share a few other things that are trending in his world.
#IN MY EARBUDS
I love all genres of music, particularly very lyric driven music. I’m a fan of Andrea Bocelli and will be seeing him in December. When I work out hitting the bag, jumping rope, or lifting weights I usually listen to classic rock and it wouldn’t be uncommon to catch me singing in my car.
BY MONICA KASS ROGERS FOOD EDITOR THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
This is one of those “low & slow” roasts that yields fabulously tender results. You’ll put the shanks in the oven with a full gallon of chili-spiked braising liquid which, simmered down for four hours, leaves plenty of juices to reheat and glaze the shanks when you serve the dish the next day. Served with little pearls of Israeli couscous, rich gravy, and a sauce of preserved lemon, mint, garlic, and Greek yogurt, these ancho-spiced shanks make a meal full of bold flavors.
MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
• 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 4 lamb shanks, 16 to 20 ounces each
• 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil
• 1 ½ Tbsp salt
• 1 Tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 large white onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 gallon good quality veal or beef stock
• 4 whole dried ancho chilies
• 1 package Israeli couscous
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp preserved lemon, finely minced
• 3 tsp freshly minced mint
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• Arugula or radish sprouts for garnish
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place garlic cloves plus 1 teaspoon water in a foil packet in oven. Roast, 20 to 30 minutes until garlic cloves are soft.
• Stir salt, pepper, and cumin together in a small bowl. Rub mixture into the lamb shanks.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet. Cook lamb shanks (in batches if necessary, to keep from crowding pan) until well browned on all sides: about 12 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
• In the same skillet, sauté onion, carrot, and celery about 10 minutes until softened and golden brown.
• Remove garlic cloves from oven. Squeeze pulp from skins. Add garlic to skillet. Pour in wine and cook, scrap -
ing up browned bits from the pan as the liquid reduces. Add as much beef stock as will fit in the pan along with bay leaf. Heat to boiling.
• Place the lamb shanks in a very large roasting pan. Pour hot stock and vegetables over the meat.
• Wearing gloves, snip the stems off ancho chilies, remove seeds, and add ancho chilies to pan. Heat remaining beef or veal stock until boiling; add to the roasting pan.
• Cover roasting pan tightly with foil. Place in preheated 325 degree oven and roast for 4 hours.
• Remove pan from oven. Cool shanks and vegetables in braising liquid. Refrigerate until well chilled, or overnight.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Skim fat from the pan. Remove the shanks. Strain out the vegetables from the braising liquid. On your stovetop, in an oven-proof pan over medium heat, reduce braising liquid by one-third. Add shanks to the pan and place in oven. Spoon braising liquid over shanks every 5 minutes until shanks are heated through and glazed with the braising liquid. Meanwhile, toast couscous in a hot skillet until golden brown. Cook couscous in well-salted boiling water following package directions. Season to taste with salt pepper and a little butter. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, preserved lemon, mint and garlic together. To plate, place a mound of couscous in a serving dish, top with a lamb shank. Spoon braising sauce over all. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt sauce and top with finely grated lemon zest and a sprinkling of fresh sprouts.
It’s easy to root for Lake County Forest Preserve District Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach when he oversees a unit of government that focuses primarily on maintaining and restoring precious landscapes.
BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
There’s forward thinking and then there’s Alex Ty Kovach thinking.
Kovach, who goes by Ty, has been the Lake County Forest Preserve District Executive Director since 2013. He’s not concerned about tomorrow.
Or 10 years from now.
Try 100 years.
“I’m thinking about future generations and my great-great grandchildren,” says the 63-year-old Kovach, who lives in Gurnee with his wife, Lea, and their daughters, Alexia, 7, and Isla, 5. “It’s not about us; it’s about staying focused on the mission and wanting a healthy landscape here a century from now.”
Created in 1958, the Lake County Forest Preserve District manages more than 31,000 acres of land for conservation, recreation, and education—more than 10 percent of all the land in Lake County. Its mission is to preserve a dynamic and unique system of diverse natural and cultural resources and to develop innovative, educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities of regional value that reflect a commitment to environmental and fiscal responsibility.
“You have to listen and surround yourself with really good people,” Kovach says of the keys to effective leadership. “More than 300 volunteers help us, and we have about 200 staffers, all amazing.”
The Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves shares the Forest Preserves’ vision that 100 years from now, Lake County will be a healthy, resilient landscape with restored and preserved natural lands, waters, and cultural assets. The Preservation aims to raise $20 million in permanent endowment to ensure resources are in place to care for woodlands, prairies and wetlands forever.
“The biggest thing that needs to happen is that we endow all that land, because we
can get tax dollars to the op erational side of it, and we can get capital dollars to do the actual restora tion,” Kovach says. “What we lack is a way to permanently fund and take care of that.”
Kovach was born in Michigan and grew up in a Minnesota house hold that lacked electricity and running water until he was 11. Home was Akeley, Minnesota, in a cabin near 8th Lake.
“My parents (Alex ander and Jennifer) raised me on a dairy farm,” says Kovach, adding his paternal grandfather, Joseph, had arrived in the United States from Hungary in 1912 and worked as a coal miner. “They were hard working, frugal, self-sufficient. I still own the farm in
(1988-2006) with the Department of Natural Resources in Min-
From crew leader to regional manager to bureau operations manager, Kovach worked for a government agency that manages five million acres in the Land of
“I got to know Minnesota quite well,” he says. “It was in the 1980s when I started getting
Kovach met his future wife in Salvador, a fishing village in Brazil. They got married 11 years ago—the same year he joined the Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD).
Seventyfive percent of Lake County’s residents use the
Let’s say there are 3,000 conservation-minded residents in Lake County. I’ve often wondered, what if all 700,000 residents thought that way?
Akeley and visit there every three or four months.”
He majored in Industrial Technology and ran track—the 400-yard dash was his specialty—at Bemidji State University in Minnesota. Kovach’s first job out of college was stress load analyst for Osmose Company in Biloxi, Mississippi. Stops in Texas and Mexico preceded his lengthy tenure
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Forest Preserves’ trails, dog parks, fishing piers, and three golf courses (Brae Loch in Grayslake; Countryside in Mundelein; and Thunderhawk in Beach Park). The LCFPD location houses the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, which collects, preserves, and interprets the material culture of Lake County and provides captivating educational experiences and inspiring
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
exhibitions for the benefit of every Lake County resident.
The Forest Preserves spends about $75 per acre annually to guarantee its restored lands remain healthy. And the LCFPD, Kovach notes, has the highest approval rating of any unity of government in Lake County.
“Residents are confident in the way we manage,” says Kovach, who in 2023 was named a Notable Leader in Sustainability by Crain’s Chicago Business. “Let’s say there are 3,000 conservation-minded residents in Lake County. I’ve often wondered, what if all 700,000 residents thought that way?”
Among Kovach’s passions away from his office in Libertyville is gardening. Growing sweet red peppers is a long family tradition. He also grows squash, okra, and tomatoes.
“I also still love to fish,” he says. “I’m a hunter, too, but hunting to me is more about walking through the woods and taking in the beauty than it is about hunting. There’s nothing like the peace, along with the natural wonder, when you’re outdoors. Too many don’t take the time to look at our beautiful surroundings.”
Kovach shared his leadership style in a video—narrated by the venerable Bill Kurtis, a longtime Lake County denizen—that can be viewed at lcfp.org.
“Don’t stifle creativity, because that’s where the ideas are going to come from, that’s where the good work is going to come from, that’s where the enthusiasm is going to come from, and that’s where the cultural change is going to come from,” he says.
The same man originally thought he’d serve the Lake County Forest Preserve District as its executive director for only three years.
He’s thrilled that he has stayed put.
“There’s more stuff to do,” Kovach says.
The Lake County Forest Preserves’ general offices are located at 1899 West Winchester Road, Libertyville. Visit lcfpd.org for more information.
John Conatser
Jennifer
Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Megan Weisberg
FOOD EDITOR
Monica Kass Rogers
Adrienne Fawcett, Mitch Hurst, Cheyanne Lencioni, Bill McLean
Linda
