The North Shore Weekend, December 23, 2023

“...Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”

-Isaiah 7:14 SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE

NORTH SHORE DOINGS

NO. 583 | A JWC MEDIA PUBLICATION

Find the latest holiday happenings in your town with our new weekly calendar pg7

#HASHTAG

Find out what's new and trending with fashionista Anna Wisniewski of Winnetka pg16

MATERIAL PURSUITS

This weekend's luxury must-haves include this retro ride-on racecar from Vilac p21

THE SURREAL WORLD

Lake Forest native and professional influencer Victoria Glass shares the story of her rise to social media fame and how she finds balance between real life and the virtual reality she has created. pg10

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

ECRWSS

PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 129 GLENVIEW, IL

DEAR CLIENTS AND FRIENDS,

Lisa Elder Levin, Salon Director

As the new year is approaching we also wanted to have the opportunity to personally say thank you to our clients, staff and friends. In this season of celebration, we want to take a moment to celebrate the connections that make our work meaningful.

Thank you for being a valued part of our journey. To our staff, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your dedication and hard work as you are the foundation of our success. To Pascal, we want to express our gratitude for the opportunities you have given us over the last decade plus. Your belief in our abilities has been a driving force in our professional growth and for that we thank you.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

May the magic of the season fill your hearts with warmth and joy.

From the management team at Pascal pour Elle.

Lisa and Sarah

Sarah Quinlan Lewis, Assistant Manager/ Social Media Marketing

368 Park Avenue Glencoe, Illinois 60022 847.501.3100 pascalpourelle.com

Book Online Today

pascalpourelle.com 2 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Merry Merry

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS THAT HAVE MADE US SHINE THIS YEAR!

love Jena

#1 luxury broker * in illinois

Annie

312.925.9899 | jena@atproperties.com | jenaradnay.com

#114 broker in the nation *

*MRED, LLC: Total Sales Volume 01/01/22-12/31/22 | 2023 Real Trends + Tom Ferry The Thousand, based on 2022 total sales volume

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

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*MRED, LLC: Total Sales Volume 01/01/23-12/19/23 | 2023 Real Trends + Tom Ferry The Thousand, based on 2022 total sales volume

4 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

wrapping up

another wonderful year!

1405 BURR OAK DR, GLENVIEW

471 SUNSET RD, WINNETKA

1854 BOSWORTH LN, NORTHFIELD

217 WOODLAND AVE, WINNETKA 6 Beds • 3.1 Baths // sold for $1,425,000

6 Beds • 6.3 Baths // sold for $6,200,000

45 INDIAN HILL RD, WINNETKA

691 SHERIDAN RD, WINNETKA

180 DE WINDT RD, WINNETKA

445 SHERIDAN RD, WINNETKA

1361 EDGEWOOD LN, WINNETKA

4 BRIDLEWOOD RD, NORTHBROOK

422 SUNSET RIDGE RD, NORTHFIELD 4 Beds • 4 Baths // sold for $2,499,900

10 Beds • 9.2 Baths // sold for $5,700,000

60 LOCUST RD, WINNETKA

325 SHORELINE CT, GLENCOE

576 WILLOW RD, WINNETKA

500 N GREEN BAY RD, LAKE FOREST

566 WILLOW RD, WINNETKA

1357 SUNVIEW LN, WINNETKA

473 SHERIDAN RD, WINNETKA

425 SUNSET RD, WINNETKA

404 ELDER LN, WINNETKA

151 MEADOW LN, WINNETKA

6 Beds • 6.1 Baths // sold for $2,925,000

5 Beds • 5.2 Baths // sold for $2,400,000

5 Beds • 6.2 Baths // sold for $3,525,000

8 Beds • 9.4 Baths // sold for $4,250,000

395 ELDER LN, WINNETKA

6 Beds • 3.2 Baths // sold for $1,829,000

5 Beds • 5.1 Baths // sold for $2,825,000

5 Beds • 7.1 Baths // sold for $12,500,000

6 Beds • 6.1 Baths //sold for $2,585,000

190 LINDEN ST, WINNETKA

6 Beds • 6.2 Baths // sold for $2,730,000

6 Beds • 5.1 Baths // sold for $1,935,437

4 Beds • 3.1 Baths // sold for $1,685,000

5 Beds • 4.2 Baths // sold for $1,585,000

5 Beds • 3.1 Baths // sold for $1,590,000

5 Beds • 5.4 Baths // sold for $12,250,000

5 Beds • 5.2 Baths // sold for $6,250,000

5 Beds • 5.1 Baths // sold for $5,200,000

6 Beds • 6.3 Baths // sold for $4,000,000

969 HILL RD, WINNETKA

6 Beds • 6.2 Baths // sold for $2,750,000

7 Beds • 7.2 Baths // sold for $3,499,900

5 Beds • 6.1 Baths // sold for $2,150,000

921 FISHER LN, WINNETKA

5 Beds • 4.3 Baths // sold for $2,700,000

312.925.9899 | jradnay@atproperties.com | jenaradnay.com

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

5

INDEX

NEWS 7 north shore doings Your go-to guide for all the latest local events

8 social life A recent Hadley Woman’s Board benefit raised $165,000 for programs that help people with vision loss

LIFESTYLE & ARTS 14 the zone of interest A Polish film about the horrors of Nazism during the Holocaust gets a 4-star review from our critic

16 #hashtag

Find out why Winnetka's Anna Wisniewski continues to influence fashion and set trends

20 north shore foodie This Pheasant Ballotine recipe with Sausage, Herb & Pistachio Stuffing is one of our publisher's holiday favorites

21 material pursuits From a French car for kids to a sauna blanket that Hollywood celebrities swear by, we've got this weekend's most wanted

LAST BUT NOT LEAST 22 sunday breakfast

Joy to The Village Church of Lincolnshire and its senior pastor, Jim Renke

John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

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Jennifer Sturgeon

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Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Sherry Thomas, Megan Weisberg

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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DESIGN

Linda Lewis PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Chris Geimer ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART

Maria Ponce, Monica Kass Rogers PHOTOGRAPHY

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Cheyanne Lencioni ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ALL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO EDITORIAL@NSWEEKEND.COM FIND US ONLINE NSWEEKEND.COM

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© 2023 THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND A PUBLICATION OF JWC MEDIA, 671 ACADEMY DRIVE, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062 847.926.0911

6 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

@ TheNSWeekend

@ TheNSWeekend THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

NORTH SHORE DOINGS NEWS

EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 24

MANUAL CINEMA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL WHERE: Writers Theatre A one-of-a-kind rendition of The Christmas Carol returns to Writers Theatre just in time for the holidays. In this classic tale, Aunt Trudy has been asked to channel her late husband Joe’s Christmas spirit during a family Zoom call, accompanied by puppets. As she journeys through the Ebenezer’s story, the puppets come to life. Writer’s Theatre will hold matinee and evening shows select Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. Tickets range from $35 to $85. writerstheatre.org

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 24

GAME OF GNOMES: A SCAVENGER HUNT WHERE: Downtown Wilmette Set out on a fun adventure through the Wilmette town center. Twelve holiday gnomes are hiding among the window decorations of 12 downtown stores. Fill out the game card with names as the gnomes are found. Once you have all 12, turn in the game card at the Game of Gnomes drop box at the Wild Child Toy Shop. Entries will be eligible to win a Shop Wilmette Gift Card.

A new winner will be picked each week in December.

Share your finds on social media for a chance to win extra prizes. wilmetteonomics.com/holiday/

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 24

CHRISTKINDLMARKET WHERE: Daley Plaza, Chicago THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Downtown Chicago’s iconic Christkindlmarket is back at Daley Plaza.

Explore the many vendors and booths this wonderful market has to offer. Enjoy food, mulled wine, ornaments, and products from around the world. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Admission is free and the market is outdoors. christkindlmarket.com

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 3

HOLIDAY WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST WHERE: WinnetkaNorthfield-Glencoe Join in the fun and vote for your favorite holiday window decoration during the month of December.

Explore the many shops of downtown Winnetka, Northfield, and Glencoe and cast your vote for the most enchanting window display. wngchamber.com

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 7

GLASS TO GARDEN WHERE: Driehaus Museum The Glass to Garden: Tiffany Inspired Floral Designs exhibit is coming to the Driehaus Museum. It will showcase floral designed installations from four local floral designers. Elizabeth Cronin, founder and creator of Chicago’s Asrai Garden and judge for Full Bloom, curates the exhibit and has selected each of the florists to create pieces inspired by Tiffany works of their choosing. The participating florists are Angelica Rivera Varela (Semillas Plant Studio), John Caleb Pendleton (Planks & Pistils), Taylor Amilas Bates (Dusk Lily Floral), and Serena Madrigal (Espinas). driehausmuseum.org

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 7

LIGHTSCAPE WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe Chicago Botanic Garden’s (CBG) annual Lightscape is back. The beautiful gardens have been transformed into dazzling lightscapes to enjoy this holiday season. Stunning first-time installations and returning favorites like the Winter Cathedral decorate the trail nightly. Tickets can be purchased on CBG website and slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Drink and food will be offered along the trail. chicagobotanic.org

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 7

ZOOLIGHTS WHERE: Lincoln Park Zoo This year’s ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo will feature new displays, photo ops, and interactive programs for families to enjoy.

Tickets are now available for purchase and members get up to eight free tickets and 20 percent off any extra ticket purchases.

Monday nights are free, and most weeknights are $7 per person. This event is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. lpzoo. org/event/zoolights/

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 20

IN VIEW 2024 EXHIBITION WHERE: The Art Center Highland Park The Art Center Highland Park’s (ACHP) annual In View art exhibit is open through January 20. This exhibit features work created by ACHP’s faculty and members. It is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year will

Practical Theatre Company’s “Ho-Ho-Holiday Revue” sketch Photo courtesy of Bea Rashid

mark the highest participation in the history of this exhibit with 140 artists showcasing their work. All exhibited work is for sale unless otherwise indicated.

Proceeds benefit the artists and programming at ACHP. theartcenterhp.org

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 31

HOLIDAY LIGHT RECYCLING WHERE: Northfield Northfield’s Village Hall and its Community Center will be providing bins where holiday lights and extension cords can be recycled. Clean out your decorations stash and make room for new lights and supplies by recycling the old. northfieldparks.org

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 15

THE GREAT SNOWFLAKE SEARCH WHERE: Wilmette Historical Museum The first snowflakes were photographed by a man named Snowflake Bentley, proving that no two are alike. Join the Wilmette Historical Museum in a scavenger hunt to find all

the snowflakes. This event runs through February 15. Children ages 3 and younger can pick up a free scavenger hunt board at the Museum or Youth Services Department at the Wilmette Public Library to get started. The hunts begin at 9 a.m. wilmettehistory.org

NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 13

“SHTETL IN THE SUN” WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center In the late 1970s, photographer Andy Sweet took numerous photos of Holocaust survivors living hopeful and joyous lives in South Beach, Florida.

Through his images, it provides a poignant display of life after a tragedy. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s exhibit, “Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach 1977-1980,” celebrates Sweet’s work as a tribute to those who lived during that time. The exhibit will run through October 13, 2024. ilholocaustmuseum.org

NOW TO DECEMBER 31

ELEANOR’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH: THE MUSICAL WHERE: Citadel Theatre Experience the enchanting story of a ragdoll who lives at the North Pole and wishes for a best friend and a home of her own. Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish: The Musical runs at Citadel Theatre through December 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets are $20 per person. citadeltheatre.org

DECEMBER 24

HOLIDAY SING WHERE: Village Green Park, Winnetka Celebrate Christmas Eve with your neighbors at the Village Green Park in Winnetka. Join carolers singing to the light of candles and flashlights from 6 to 6:30 p.m. winpark.org

DECEMBER 24

FAMILY NATIVITY WORSHIP WHERE: Kenilworth Union Church Come hear the familiar story of Jesus’s birth on Christmas Eve. Take part in worship and celebrate

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

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NEWS Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish: The Musical, at Citadel Theatre

the reason for the season from 11 a.m. to noon. The entire family is welcome but there is no child care for this service. A livestream will also be available on the church’s website. kuc.org

DECEMBER 24

TRADITIONAL CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP WHERE: Kenilworth Union Church Join Kenilworth Union Church for a Christmas Eve candlelight service led by the Chancel Choir and Eun Joo Ju at the organ.

There are three services held on Christmas Eve, each lasting an hour. One is at 3 p.m., one is at 6 p.m., and the last is at 9 p.m. Child care is available for the 3 p.m. service only. There will also be a livestream of the service for the 3 p.m. service and the 6 p.m. service. kuc.org

DECEMBER 28 TO 31 & JANUARY 4 TO 6

PRACTICAL THEATER COMPANY’S “HO-HOHOLIDAY REVUE” WHERE: Studio5 The Practical Theater Company has reestablished its residency at Sudio5 in Evanston. From December 28 to 31 and January 4 to 6, it will be presenting a “HoHo-Holiday Revue”—a throwback to the TV variety shows of the 1960s and 70s that includes sketch comedy, improvisation, and music. Tickets range from $30 to $45, and the New Year’s Eve show will range from $45 to $55. The show stars Paul Barrosse, his wife Victoria Zielinski, and Dana Olsen. The Studio5 All-Stars jazz quintet will perform backup led by Steve Rashid. Ms. Maura and Emilia Barrosse add to the fun with music and stand-up. Tickets are on sale now. studio5.dance

JANUARY 2 TO 5

HURRAY FOR WINTER CAMP WHERE: Everett Annex Registration is now open for Lake Forest Park District’s Winter Camp!

Kids ages 3 to 7 will engage in cooking, art, science, and play. Days will last until 1 p.m. Children may join for a single day or multiples of two, three, and five-day camps. lfparksandrec.com

JANUARY 4

OCEAN OF DEVOTION WHERE: Lake Bluff Public Library The holidays can be stressful, and January can be the perfect time to recenter, refresh, and unwind.

Preston Klik will provide participants with a relaxing environment through sound meditation as he plays acoustic instruments from around the world.

This adult program is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the

Spruth room. Registration is required. lakeblufflibrary.org

JANUARY 5

PALETTES AND POURS: WINTER BIRDS WHERE: The Gorton Center Enjoy an art class at the Gorton Center. Bring some friends and enjoy glasses of wine while you paint winter birds with Sandie Bacon and Leslie Lenz. Tickets are $50 per person and guests can bring their own wine if they would like.

Wine will also be included at the event. This class is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on January 5. gortoncenter.org

JANUARY 5 TO 21

WINTER CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL WHERE: Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music The annual Winter Chamber Music Festival returns for its 27th year.

This year’s lineup will

SOCIAL LIFE

HELPING HADLEY Photography by Widia Viti

“Fall in Love with Hadley,” the 2023 Hadley Woman’s Board benefit, raised $165,000 for Hadley’s programs that help people with vision loss. The sellout evening was hosted in the stunning lakefront home of Carol and Robert Rasmus in Winnetka on October 27. More than 150 guests mingled and enjoyed cocktails, buffet and passed hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. The event was led by co-chairs Suzy Parks and Sara Ridder, and board president Mindy Rendell.

Headquartered in Winnetka, Hadley serves more than 80,000 people with vision loss from across the country and around the world. All of Hadley’s programs are free to anyone who needs assistance. This is made possible by the generosity of Hadley’s donors. The Hadley Woman’s Board, which is comprised of women from the North Shore, has been an important fundraising partner to Hadley for seven decades. To learn more about Hadley, visit hadleyhelps.org

KATE BROWER, BRIDGETTE RAHR, DAVID RAHR, DAVE BROWER

NICKI, BARBRA AND ALEX BUKOVAC

SUSAN MARREN, DIA WEIL, DIANE MELIO

MINDY RENDELL, SUZY PARKS, SARA RIDDER

SARAH AND RUSTY MAGNER

8 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

RJ BUKOVAC, MARGARET STEPHAN

CHRIS IRWIN AND KAREN STROBLE

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

NEWS feature six performances, including the Balourdet Quartet and the GrammyAward winning Parker Quartet. There will be music from Classical and Romantic-era composers as well as the works of Chicago Symphony

Orchestra composer Jessie Montgomery and awardwinning composer Thomas Adés. Single tickets are $30 for the public and $10 for full-time students with valid IDs. music.northwestern.edu

JANUARY 10

THE BOWIE PROJECT WHERE: Space, Evanston Last January, the Metropolitan Jazz Octet partnered with Paul Marinaro to reimagine David Bowie’s music through the lens of

chamber jazz with “The Bowie Project.” Now these artists are back on January 10 to perform Bowie’s music once again. This time they’ll be performing hits including “Let’s Dance,” “Changes,” and “Space Oddity” at Space in Evanston. The show will be at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale for $20 to $35. ticketweb.com

JANUARY 10

COOKING AT FROGGY’S WHERE: Froggy's French Cafe Highwood Come to Froggy’s French Cafe in Highwood for a wonderful cooking class hosted by Chef Theirry Lefeuvre. This class is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 10. Participants will enjoy two glasses of wine while Chef Theirry prepares three dishes: a soup, a main course, and a dessert.

Guests will learn tips and recipes before enjoying this curated meal. Tickets are

Bienen School's Dover Quartet and its new violinist Julianne Lee Photo courtesy of Roy Cox

$85 and can be purchased on The Gorton Center’s website. gortoncenter.org

JANUARY 15

THE JOHN MEASNER MAGIC SHOW WHERE: Community House Winnetka Magician Extraordinaire, John Measner, will be performing at the Community House in Winnetka. He is a master of illusions and some of his acts include live animals. The show is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and tickets are $10 to $15.

His performances include audience participation and card-and-coin magics. mycommunityhouse.org

JANUARY 16

APPRECIATE A DRAGON DAY WHERE: Heller Nature Center Celebrate Appreciate a Dragon Day with the Park District of Highland Park.

Hatch your very own dragon and venture on a quest to uncover dragon lore. This camp is for children ages 6 to 10 and is $33 to register.

It will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heller Nature Center. pdhp.org

JANUARY 17

NEEDLE FELTING PENGUIN PROGRAM WHERE: Lake Bluff Public Library Looking to pick up a new craft skill? Join Lake Bluff Public Library for its Needle Felting program on January 17. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., participants will learn how to make a needle felt penguin in the Spruth room. Adults, children, and teens are welcome, and registration is now open. lakeblufflibrary.org To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.

From our families to yours,

Happy Holidays!

GLORIA MATLIN & ZACK MATLIN

JENNI GORDON

LETA GOLD

The Matlin Group thematlingroup@compass.com Glo | 847.951.4040 Zack | 847.722.2977

SALLY BLOOM

LAURIE TUCHMAN

The Matlin Group is a team of Real Estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

9

LIFESTYLE & ARTS THE SURREAL WORLD

From PG 1

BY SHERRY THOMAS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Her Instagram posts are light as air.

Breezy.

Take for example, an entry from late October—a quick take she calls “Camera roll lately,” featuring fashionably curated snaps from the world of a woman whose career is to, as her bio says, “overshare.”

It’s a modern, still-life tableau that features ... in this order ... rich burgundy manicure contrasting with a winter white cropped blazer; cup of tea next to a tablet strategically cued to favorite “Pins” on that other social media site; shoes (presumably designer) shyly peeping out from a pair of well-worn jeans; signature black Mac computer perfectly positioned next to a copy of Vogue, sleek black sunglasses, Yves Saint Laurent wallet, and bottle of green juice; another white jacket (same as before, perhaps?) contrasted with black Chanel bag; bedroom selfie in casual yet chic couture, iPhone covering face; and finally, family dog (a golden retriever whose name, you surmise from comments, is Frankie) in (where else?) a bathtub.

She makes it seem so effortless. Easy.

“You are an entire vibe,” one follower raves.

But get to know Lake Forest native Victoria Glass and you realize nothing about what she does and the success she has built from her social media brand is simple at all.

“It does take a lot more time than people realize,” says Glass, former member of the corporate buying team for Ulta Beauty who used the time she saved commuting during the pandemic to cultivate a presence on social media. “I lived in downtown Chicago and had been commuting to Bolingbrook.

When COVID hit, I was working from home and downloaded this new app called TikTok.” Boom.

At first, her stories and reels on TikTok and Instagram were merely a creative outlet.

Then she got more and more followers, and one day, she was presented with a paid offer to feature a sponsored product.

“I built it up until I was working two fulltime jobs at once and eventually, I decided to take a chance and work solely for social media,” explains Glass, a Lake Forest High School graduate who studied advertising and public relations at Indiana University. “I left my corporate job in August 2021, and the rest is history.”

If you are one of her 41,800 Instagram followers, it’s a history that’s already welldocumented.

Continued on PG 12

Victoria Glass and Frankie

10 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

S TA N D R E D N U G I G H T: S N PRICIN I D T N E A K 1 MAR RENT TRENDS N CUR : GET A E U L A V P E RT Y A LUAT I O N O R P 2 AT E V R U C C A : TTERS A M E UR SE 3 E X P OY SO N M Y E X P E RT I AMAN M N A REL S D IS SU E E N U 4 ALL YO

RECENTLY SOLD LISTINGS 1015 Sheridan Road, Glencoe | 231 Fairview Road, Glencoe† | 976 Oak Terrace, Glencoe** | 166 Lapier Street, Glencoe 690 Longwood Avenue, Glencoe** | 334 Sheridan Road, Glencoe** | 140 Ravine Glade Street, Glencoe | 261 Beach Road, Glencoe† 1920 Emerald Woods Lane, Highland Park** | 284 Drexel Lane, Glencoe** | 120 Dell Place, Glencoe | 1045 Hohlfelder Road, Glencoe 601 Westwood Lane, Glencoe** | 199 Linden Avenue, Glencoe** | 417 Jackson Avenue, Glencoe | 1153 Carol Lane, Glencoe | 80 Estate Drive, Glencoe 501 Washington Avenue, Glencoe | 1144 Mayfair Lane, Glencoe** | 968 Green Bay Road, Glencoe | 694 Sunset Lane, Glencoe* 372 Kelburn Road #212, Deerfield** | 8848 Kenneth Drive #1H, Des Plaines | 812 Hibbard Road, Winnetka | 841 Foxdale Avenue, Winnetka*

OVER

GLENCOE

NEW TRIER

PAST 36 MONTHS*

PAST 24 MONTHS*

I L L I NOI S I N DI V I D UA L R E A L E S TAT E P R O F E S S I O N A L S ***

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CAREER SALES*

847.878.5235

susanmaman@atproperties.com

†All data from MRED. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed. InfoSparks © 2023 ShowingTime. *Buyer Represented **BrokerMetrics, LLC - #1 Individual Broker by sales volume in Glencoe amongst all offices/brokerages, May 2020-May 2023. Top 10 in New Trier School District, May 2021-May 2023; Career sales based of MLS, sales volume, 2014-present

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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

11

LIFESTYLE & ARTS THE SURREAL WORLD

From PG 10

In April 2022, Glass got engaged to Anthony Bozin, and seven months later, moved back to her native Lake Forest. The couple (who was married in September 2023, just weeks before our interview) met in 2015 when they were both working out at Lifetime Fitness.

“I would go to the gym and would see him and we kept running into each other,” she explains. “It wasn’t until a few years later that we started going for walks after our workouts.”

Three years after @victoriaoglass became a fixture on the morning Insta scroll, life as a newly married woman has been woven into the aesthetic of her social media persona.

However, Glass says she is mindful of the need for separation between her real life and the carefully stylized image she portrays in the surreal world.

“It can be so deceiving,” she says. “Everyone posts their highlight reels but it’s not reality.”

Speaking of reality, despite the urge to compare this social media tags-to-riches story to the uber-popular Emily in Paris (the one where a darling girl from Skokie just happens to get a job in Paris and becomes a social media sensation with ten thousands of followers literally overnight), Glass is quick to note the difference.

“It’s a cute show, but it’s definitely not reality—at all,” she says. “Emily blew up on social media, which can happen to people, but it’s not that easy. There are a lot of misconceptions about what creators do. While for some it may be a hobby, for me it is a business.”

Glass says it wasn’t until she hit the 50,000 followers mark on TikTok (in March 2021, less than a year after creating the account) that the switch went off that her creative outlet could be harnessed into a lucrative career.

First, brands began gifting her with products to feature in her posts. Then came paid brand collaborations, which is how Glass and other social media influencers earn income.

“My first brand deal was with Express,” explains Glass, who now has a social media audience on TikTok and Instagram of 370,000, made up of primarily women between the ages of 18 and 34.

As an influencer, you become a media outlet, she explains. This requires you to have a media kit with all your updated statistics and demographics.

“I started by taking product and creating a video in exchange so I could build up my media kit,” says Glass, adding that she now works with an agency in L.A. to manage her brand deals and collaborations. “Last year, I

“Everyone is watching what I’m creating and doing every day”

Victoria Glass. Photography by Maria Ponce

worked with 75 different brands. This year, I’ve worked with 35 brands. As I’ve grown, I’ve been able to be more selective in who I choose to collaborate with.

Today, her business expands even beyond her social media pages. Glass creates content for brands such as YSL Beauty, Dior Beauty, Calvin Klein and Estee Lauder to use solely on their platforms as well.

“It has definitely been an interesting journey. It’s a new industry and is constantly evolving,” she says. “When a brand deal is negotiated, there are a lot of different variables that go into the contract, such as a specific set of deliverables, brand usage rights, ad boosting, and more. Every influencer has their own niche and style.”

While Glass says some “extremely famous” influencers can just talk into the camera for 30 seconds to cultivate their following, most spend quite a bit of time working behind the scenes to create the content they share.

Take the fall décor reel she had trending at the time of this interview.

“For that post in particular, I started by laying out all my décor. Once I make a decision about how I want it to look, I figure out how I’m going to film it with the camera and lighting,” she says, explaining that she does all the filming herself on her iPhone with a tripod. “I usually have 40 to 50 minutes of footage that I cut up and edit. Then I add sound. For me, a lot of my content is aesthetic. Everyone has a differ-

12 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

ent niche. Mine is very pretty visuals set to music because that is what my audience finds appealing.”

Behind the filter of social media, Glass has lived a life not unlike those of her peers.

Her childhood growing up with three brothers and a sister in Lake Forest was a happy one. Her hobbies and interests are also ones that many share, ranging from a fabulous fashion find to interior design hacks. The difference, Glass explains, is that her new career requires everything she does to be put in the public eye—drawing attention that can be both a blessing and a curse.

As Glass continues to build her brand and business, she tries to stay true to herself and her vision for how she wants her stories and posts to impact others.

“Everyone is watching what I’m creating and doing every day,” she explains. “There is a vulnerability in that, making sure that I represent myself in an authentic way that I am proud of. I want what I share to have purpose. I always hope to leave my audience feeling happy and inspired.”

The result is what faithful followers see when they log on every day—a glamorous yet playful glimpse into a life of joy, fun, and style. While Glass now makes a living from the brands who sponsor her, she is also mindful to keep her posts grounded in the reality of her own life.

“I post almost every single day and most of my posts are not brand deals,” she explains. “Most of my TikTok videos, 90 percent, are not paid but that’s part of my job. I have to build up my platform and engagement and aim to work with the brands I want to work with.”

Glass is also increasingly mindful of her own relationship with social media.

“In general, social media can be tricky for a lot of people’s mental health. I always try to stress the importance of creating a healthy balance while using it,” she says. “I encourage people to unfollow or mute those they believe leave them feeling drained or discouraged. I always try to get feedback from my audience and my hope is to always help and inspire them. If I can portray anything, it’s that I cherish and celebrate all the good in my life.”

With gift guides and holiday branding projects well under way, Glass says she plans to take some time for herself away from the glow of social media to enjoy her first Christmas with her husband and quality family time.

“I am very particular about my social media usage when I’m with family and try to balance and give myself time off,” she explains. “I might be MIA during the holidays.

I like to be present and protect everyone’s privacy—to enjoy the holidays as authentically and offline as possible.”

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

New Year. New Home.

WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS With the new year comes fresh beginnings. If you have considered making a move, but have not been able to take that first step, connect with one of our Engel & Völkers advisors.

They can talk you through the process and together you can decide if making a move is right for you in 2023. Make 2023 the year that you find your next dream home.

Learn more at chicagonorthshore.evrealestate.com

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

13

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

THE ZONE OF INTEREST

This Polish film about the chilling terror of Nazism during the Holocaust is sure to be an Oscar contender.

BY REX REED ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 46 MINUTES RATING: 4 stars

Fresh, original and deeply unsettling, The Zone of Interest is this year’s Oscarcompeting entry from Poland. It is one of the year’s best films from anywhere.

I saw it in September at the Toronto International Film Festival and it has haunted me ever since. I’ll be curious to see how it fares in its commercial release during the 2023 holidays. It is not a Christmas movie. In fact, there’s not a ho ho ho anywhere in sight.

But even if you’re only in the mood for merry bells and mistletoe, don’t even think of missing this one. Adapted by distinguished British writer-director Jonathan Glazer from the acclaimed 2014 novel

by Martin Amis, the film chronicles the domestic life of Rudolf Hoss (a solemn Christian Friedel), his wife Hedwig (a marvelous Sandra Huller, also currently starring in the murder mystery Anatomy of a Fall), and their children, whose luxurious family home is nestled between train tracks and gas chambers on the edge of Auschwitz, the notorious German concentration camp in occupied Poland, where Rudolf serves as the commandant.

Through the horrors of history, we forget the Nazis had homes too, even if they were built inside the bars of Hell.

The Zone of Interest opens with a group

of people sunbathing and enjoying a picnic on a beautiful lake. Mama teaches her children the names of fragrant flowers in her spacious garden—phlox, dahlias, roses—while the servants and guests search for juicy berries. Papa returns to work after lunch in a perfectly ordinary job—routine, even boring.

In the afternoon, while a delicious dinner is prepared, the women try on clothes and cosmetics. Hedwig seems especially pleased with a new mink coat. It takes a moment to realize where their new acquisitions are coming from. Then the reality begins to dawn, gradually, quietly, and without incident.

We are spared scenes of monstrous inhumanity, but this is still Auschwitz. The sound of rifles we sometimes hear in the distance are all part of a normal day. The women gossip about trivial matters. Instead of toys, the children play with a collection of gold teeth, ignoring the smoke rising from chimneys on the other side of the wall. Instead of the stock market, the men’s conversations center on how long it takes to burn 700 Jews a day and dispose of the ashes. Rooms are filled to the ceiling with the confiscated belongings of innocent people following massive exterminations of all the Jews in Poland. We are in

14 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

the final days of the Holocaust, and when the peace and privilege of their everyday lives are threatened by orders from Berlin to move to a new home and transfer to a new, less fortunate position, Hoss begins to worry about his future and Hedwig becomes fixated on self-preservation.

It’s all very creepy and troubling. The film is so well-made, so deliberately cautious about showing actual atrocities, that the imagination works overtime, but the muted voices of prisoners in the background and the endless clouds of smoke rising over the vineyards, the grapevines and the gazebo make for a chilling contrast between what we see and what we know.

Shot on location, The Zone of Interest exposes both the banality and the evil of Nazism, illuminated by the taut, suspenseful performances of Sandra Huller as the most unremarkable, often clueless wife and Christian Friedel as the most deceptively powerless control freak ever created by the Third Reich.

The point of this overwhelming film— that depraved insanity sometimes goes undetected because of its unexpected mediocrity—has a chilling impact that seems, in the terrifying power politics of our world today, more egregiously relevant than ever.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

15

LIFESTYLE & ARTS #HASHTAG EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

Entering the start-up fashion world as one of Trunk Club’s first two dozen employees, Winnetka’s ANNA WISNIEWSKI has always loved fashion. Married with three young boys, she now runs a blog, operates Instagram/social media channels, and dabbles in influencer consulting under See Anna Jane LLC. In 2019, she co-founded One/Third, a women’s jacket company, with a former Trunk Club colleague as a side hustle. This fashionista stepped away from her social media presence, clothing company, and fashion consulting business to share how she stays on trend.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND I’m in a book club where not everyone knows each other and it provides for a diverse book selection. I highly recommend that anyone who loves to read should join a local book club—even if you just listen to the audiobook (which I often do). I recently finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I know I’m a little late to the game but it’s definitely an instant classic. I love the escapism of fiction, especially books with historical context. I’d also recommend the American Royals series by Katharine McGee and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

#ON MY MOBILE Because I work in social media, I probably spend a little too much time on my phone. Like it or not, I do need to spend time scrolling Instagram and TikTok in the name of research. I especially love following cooking accounts for recipe inspiration. I also love following really personal style accounts like @BrooklynBlonde1 and @ladydianamay because they give me inspiration for my own content and for new One/Third jackets. Other apps I love are Peloton (yes, even postpandemic I am still very loyal), The New York Times Crossword (I do the minicrossword and Spelling Bee most mornings), as well as the Out of Office (OOO) app, a new social travel recommendations app that I consulted for this past year.

#IN MY EARBUDS I listen to The New York Times podcast The Daily most mornings. I’m also very interested in true crime podcasts, especially the storytelling aspect. Wondery does a good job here. I still go to the city quite a bit for meetings so a great podcast or Audible book is my savior during that commute. When it comes to music, I am stuck in my youth and will listen to anything from oldies classic rock to early 2000s. My favorite bands range from Radiohead to The Beatles to Vampire Weekend to late ‘90s boy bands—I like a lot of music and subject my whole family to it while I’m cooking.

16 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

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We look forward to helping our 2024 clients find the path to their new home!

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

19

LIFESTYLE & ARTS NORTH SHORE FOODIE

PHEASANT BALLOTINE

with Sausage, Herb & Pistachio Stuffing

BY MONICA KASS ROGERS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

JWC Media publisher John Conatser still remembers early teen travels to South Dakota where his older brother owned a spread of land perfect for hunting game birds. “In the fall, I’d travel there with my father for the opening of pheasant hunting season,” he recalls.

Now with five sons of his own, Conatser keeps up the tradition in the Midwest. “The boys all show interest in participating,” he says. “It is quite a thrill to bring home several pheasants after a hunt, dress them, and make a meal for your wife and kids to enjoy. In fact, we only eat wild game I’ve hunted for our Christmas and other special holiday meals.”

Serves 6 to 8

As a sport, pheasant hunting goes back to 16th century England. Royalty there became obsessed, capturing huge numbers of birds at one go before restrictions were put in place.

(A team of seven led by King George V of England, for example, bagged 3,937 pheasant in one six-day period in 1913.) But while the royals were in it for the sport, here in the Midwest, preparing delicious recipes with the birds is the better half of the deal.

This beautiful pheasant ballotine is a great example. Because pheasants are small, I’ve used three, two and ½ pound birds—enough to feed a family. And while most of us don’t have access to pheasant caught in the wild,

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BRINE

• 4 quarts water, divided • 1 cup kosher salt • 1 cup brown sugar • ½ cup maple syrup • 4 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 dried bay leaves • 1 large bunch parsley with stems • 6 sprigs fresh thyme • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary • 1 Tbsp Tellicherry peppercorns • 1 large onion, chopped • Zest and juice from one fresh lemon

farm-raised birds work just fine.

The word ballotine is from the French balle or “package,” referencing versions of the dish where birds are completely deboned, the meat chopped and combined with herbs and other ingredients to be shaped, wrapped, and cooked like sausages. For this ballotine, however, while the breast, back, rib and wing bones are removed, the legs and thighs are left intact.

The deboned portion of the meat is laid open to be filled with a sausage, herb, pistachio, onion, and brandied prune filling. Everything is then tucked back in place to be stitched up, wrapped with bacon, and trussed for roasting.

To ensure a very moist result, I brine the

FOR THE PHEASANTS AND STUFFING

• 3, 2.5-pound pheasants • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped to make 1 cup • 1/3 cup pitted prunes • 3 Tbsp brandy • Five links of fresh, mild Italian sausage, (1 lb.) removed from casings • 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs • 2 Tbsp fresh sage leaves minced • 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Zest from 1 fresh lemon • 1/3 cup roasted shelled pistachio nuts, ground • 1 tsp. freshly cracked pepper

20 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

pheasant with herbs, onion, and peppercorns overnight. I then debone the bird, fill it with the stuffing, and allow it to air dry a bit for a crisper skin when roasted.

Because the legs and thighs take a little longer to roast than the stuffed ballotine, I slice and plate the ballotine portions after roasting, returning the leg and thigh halves of the birds to the oven for an extra 10 minutes.

Tucking small red, gold and purple potatoes, and perhaps some carrot and parsnip around the pheasants makes this a one-dish meal. And for the gravy, simmering the wings and bones you trimmed away will provide you with rich broth to extend the pan juices.

FOR TRUSSING

• 15 slices uncured smoked bacon • Kitchen twine • Cotton thread FOR ROASTING

• 1 pound small red, gold and purple potatoes • 2 parsnips, peeled and cut in chunks (optional) • 1 carrot, peeled and cut in chunks (optional) • 2 tsp softened butter • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Freshly ground pepper THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

LIFESTYLE & ARTS METHOD MAKE BRINE In a large stock pot over medium heat, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.

Add salt, sugar, and syrup and stir to dissolve. Cool to room temperature.

Add herbs, peppercorns and onion.

Add remaining 2 quarts of water. Pour all into a large lidded container. Rinse pheasants and place in brine. Cover container.

Refrigerate overnight.

MAKE STUFFING In a skillet over low heat, slowly cook onion in olive oil until onions are soft and translucent. Cool. Place pitted prunes in small microwaveable bowl with brandy and heat for 40 seconds to plump prunes. Cool. Dice prunes and add with brandy to a medium sized bowl. Add cooled onions, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, sage, thyme, lemon zest, ground pistachios, and pepper.

Mix well.

DEBONE PHEASANTS Remove pheasants from brine and pat dry. Working one bird at a time, on clean worksurface, flip pheasant onto its breast. Do not remove the neck skin.

Using a boning knife, sharp kitchen shears and great care, remove wings.

Slice through skin to the backbone cutting down along the length of the bird, to open cavity. Remove rib bones, breast bones and cartilage and leave meat and skin in place. Remove wishbone doing the same. Carefully slicing against the grain, partially cut a thin flap of the breast meat on both sides of the bird, leaving each partially attached. Flip each over on either side of the bird.

Generously pepper the pheasant. Place 1/3 of the stuffing down the center of the cavity. Lift both flaps of breast meat and skin back up and around the stuffing to reform the bird. Fold the neck skin up and over to cover center gap. Using a trussing needle and cotton thread, stitch the skin together.

Working one strip of bacon at a time, starting just below the legs, wrap the slices of bacon from under the bird all the way around to the top, leaving the ends of the bacon on top. Flip bird over (now breast-side up). There may be a large gap without skin over it near the neck. Stretch the surrounding skin to cover gap a bit and stich closed with

cotton thread. Once you have tied the legs together, any remaining gap won’t show much. Using kitchen twine, truss the bird around its width from the underside up over the bacon at regular intervals, knotting the twine to hold the stuffing and bacon in place. Truss two more times lengthwise. Finally, tie the legs together. Place trussed pheasant on a platter uncovered in refrigerator while you repeat with the two other birds.

ROAST PHEASANTS Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place pheasants in roasting pan. Surround with small potatoes (and carrot and parsnip if using). Drizzle a scant bit of olive oil over all. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and several more grinds of black pepper. Roast pheasants for 1 hour until deeply golden and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove from oven. Lightly cover with foil and allow to rest for 15 to minutes before slicing and plating the stuffed portions of the ballotine with the roasted vegetables. Return the leg and thigh halves of the birds to the oven for 10 more minutes to ensure doneness.

I like to tuck fresh sprigs of thyme and sage around the bird for a pretty presentation.

MATERIAL PURSUITS This weekend’s curated luxury trends HOT WHEELS

Even Santa himself isn’t likely to get his hands on this retro-style, ride-on toy car from Vilac. Most of the luxury children’s boutiques and online stores that once had it in stock showed only a waiting list in the days before Christmas, and it’s easy to see why. Its sturdy, vintage-style construction and timeless design make it both aesthetically appealing and perfectly practical. Created by Vilac, a French company that has been making toys for children for more than a century, this tiny race car is designed to be driven inside or out. Priced at $148 at smallable.com.

SAUNA IN A BLANKET

Craving a wellness hack to meet your New Year’s goals? The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket offers a detoxifying workout without having to actually work out. Sound too good to be true? Celebrities have already caught on to the benefits of this wonder blanket, which works by increasing your body’s thermal energy to promote a temporary increase in blood flow and promote glowing skin. The warm, infrared rays also provide a euphoric, mood-boosting sensation—leaving you feeling healthy, happy, and rejuvenated. Priced from $699. Available at Bloomingdales or higherdose.com.

THE MIGHTY EGG

Kids who grew up in the 1970s might remember a catchy marketing slogan the American Egg Board put all over Saturday morning television—a jingle that promoted the benefits of “the incredible, edible egg.” A new offering from TASCHEN pays homage to the cultural and culinary history of this beloved household ingredient. The Gourmand’s Egg: A Collection of Stories and Recipes is the first volume in the luxury publisher’s series with The Gourmand journal. Illustrated by exclusive photography and historic art, this remarkable tome celebrates the link between food and art through original recipes and stories that trace the egg’s history back to antiquity. Available for $50 at amazon.com or taschen.com THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

21

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

Village Church of Lincolnshire Senior Pastor Jim Renke reminds Christians that understanding the Advent season is as vital as celebrating Christmas.

BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Jim Renke nearly lost his right index finger while operating a press brake at a metal fabrication shop in California decades ago.

He was nearly 20 at the time, a community college student toiling in the summer for pizza and gas money for the fall semester.

A press brake bends metal bars or sheets—and always wins brief battles with human digits.

“Came close to severing it,” says a stillrelieved Renke, a Vernon Hills resident and the senior pastor at The Village Church of Lincolnshire since 2021.

“I couldn’t work for a while.”

That gave an idle Renke plenty of time to field questions and discuss a serious subject matter that ultimately put him on a manof-the-cloth path.

“My father (Marvin) asked me, ‘Are you still thinking about a ministry career?’” recounts the 61-year-old Renke, who attended Kennedy High School in Fremont, California. “I told him, ‘No.’ Not long after that, our church’s pastor called me to talk about the same topic. Then, a little while later, a friend and I discussed the church and the possibilities for my future.”

Renke’s abrupt “no” to his father’s inquiry began to soften after the trinity of interactions with VIPs in his life. Self-reflection ensued. A “maybe” to ministry marched steadily to a “yes.”

Renke then applied for admission to the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago and made a pact with a higher power.

“I said, ‘God, if you get me accepted, I’ll go to Moody Bible,’” Renke says. “I got a call from Moody Bible’s registrar on a Friday in August. The administrator asked me if I’d commit to the school if accepted. My response was, ‘I don’t have a choice; I made a deal with God.’” The registrar ended the phone call with an order: “Be here on Tuesday, Jim.” Christmas 2023 arrives on Monday, December 25, the start of the season that celebrates an inestimable gift—the birth of Christ—in Christendom. The season preceding Christmas, Advent, is filled to the brim with hope, a feeling Renke clung to after his work accident and after a major health scare—emergency heart surgery—at age 49.

Look around. Each Christmastime light you see signifies hope and the conqueror of darkness.

“Christmas celebrates God’s love for us through the birth of his Son,” says Renke, who wrote the book Transformed Pain: How God Makes it Good (Onward & Upward Press, 2017). “Jesus Christ entered our world to fulfill God’s promise to us. He’s the tangible answer. Christmas is about renewal, restoration, the new covenant.

“I had four stents inserted, over a threeyear stretch, after my heart surgery,” he adds. “I was suffering, struggling. I felt weak. I often thought, ‘What is God trying to do with me?’ Weakness turned out to be a good thing in my life, because it made me depend on God’s strength.”

The Village Church of Lincolnshire held a Blue Christmas service for the first time on December 20. Open to all, not just the Evangelical Free Church’s congregants, it welcomed those who were mourning or grappling

to find a sliver of joy or hope among redand-green decorations everywhere and seas of smiling, festive people of all ages.

“More people than many realize are hurting more than ever during Advent,” Renke says of the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. “Those who attend a Blue Christmas service—an evening of reflection—see others are in their same boat and discover they’re not alone. That’s comforting to them as they seek Christ’s comfort.

“Yes, they’re feeling broken in their darkness,” he continues.

“But Advent is the season of anticipation, of waiting, of seeking light. It’s okay to long for something and to wait for it. Hope is coming. Hope will heal.”

Renke describes his bout with cardiovascular disease as a “journey” in his book. The potent combination of medical care and his faith shepherded him to health.

“When you respond in faith, the Lord uses the story of our lives to move His story of redemption and

Pastor Jim Renke

Advent is the season of anticipation, of waiting, of seeking light. It’s okay to long for something and to wait for it. Hope is coming. Hope will heal.

22 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

reconciliation forward,” he writes. “All the while, giving us the hope that no pain is futile and without hope.”

Renke met his future wife, Kris, in an evangelism class at Moody Bible Institute.

He asked her to accompany him to a Giordano’s in Chicago for their first date. Time spent with her there must have felt like a slice of heaven, minus the pepperoni and green peppers and anchovies.

They got married and raised four sons, ages 36-28. They have two grandchildren and two on the way.

Renke attended seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and earned his Doctorate of Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts.

His parish stops before The Village Church of Lincolnshire included two in Iowa, one in California, and Village Green Baptist Church in Glen Ellyn.

The heart of The Village Church of Lincolnshire (VCL) mission is to foster disciples in Christ through the first and greatest commandment (“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”) and the second (“Love your neighbor as yourself ”).

The parishioners of VCL on Riverwoods Road “endeavor to live out that love and share the hope that is in Christ, his death, and resurrection.”

Renke had also served as an Evangelical Free Church regional minister, or “as a pastor to pastors,” Renke says.

The call to lead VCL’s flock more than two years ago heartened Jim and Kris.

“My wife and I,” Renke says, “had missed being a part of a local church and longed to build meaningful relationships with church members again. We prayed for an opportunity like this. The joys of being a pastor … too many to count. But they begin with the important moments I get to be a part of in the lives of others. Moments like births, baptisms, and weddings. I also get to be there for people who are hospitalized, when they’re looking for answers to hard questions. I’m there for those mourning the loss of a loved one.

“I consider it a privilege to be a part of each moment.”

The Village Church of Lincolnshire is located at 201 Riverwoods Road, Lake Forest. Call 847-295-7707 or visit evcl.org for more information. To read Pastor Jim Renke’s “Onward & Upward” blog, visit jimrenke.com.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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SO

LD

645 Abbotsford Rd, Kenilworth*

D TE LD S LI SO &

SO

1616 Sheridan Rd #10C, Wilmette

3141 Washington Ave, Wilmette*

ED ST LD I L SO &

2000 Chestnut Ave #405, Glenview

LD

SO

SO

2235 Iroquois Rd, Wilmette

LD

SO

2020 Chestnut Ave #503, Glenview

LD

SO

2020 Chestnut Ave #208, Glenview

LD

2020 Chestnut Ave #103, Glenview

LD

2020 Chestnut Ave #312, Glenview

Thinking of buying or selling?

Let’s talk.

847.204.5613

colleenmcginnis@atproperties.com *Buyer Represented

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023 |

23

24 | SATURDAY DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 2023

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND