find strength in yourself, strength in others, and strength in your community.
What draws a family to the suburbs? Location, location, location…the typical cliché, but genuinely one factor is often the school districts. From preschool through high school, suburban districts offer high-quality education as well as access to community college courses and continuing education. That makes sense, yet, what about the summer months? It’s the extra-curricular activities, park district programs, community events, sports, clubs, parks and pools, et.al. that are also important. Of course, that’s all changed for the summer of 2020 and we don’t know what the “new normal” will be. Is your home, or the one you’re considering purchasing, able to substitute for the usual organized activities with which we’ve all become accustomed?
Here are some things to consider when upgrading your current home or when looking for a new home. A benefit of the northwest suburbs is land and social distancing is much easier when you have a lovely yard to enjoy. Homes with pools and hot tubs are a big plus for entertaining small groups of friends and keeping kids of all ages busy throughout the day. Playground sets, balance beams, sport courts, baseball backstops, and golf greens are other ways for the kids to get outside, enjoy some exercise, and engage in fun for hours. These are features that many homes already have or that can be installed fairly easily. Neighborhoods where families can take walks, ride bikes together or take a run safely are a big draw and a “plus” when determining where your family would like not only to reside, but to thrive. Flower and vegetable
gardens - or even raising chickens - are hobbies to consider. Of course, the outdoor kitchen is a must and a place for the family and few friends to gather outside at a safe distance. We all know there is nothing that brings people together better than a meal, and there’s no better way to end a fun-filled day and relaxing evening than with a fire pit where you can enjoy smores and an after-dinner cocktail.
Let’s be real…living in northwest Chicago does not guarantee beautiful weather, so a plan “B” is always a good idea. Home theaters where you can spend time with the family are a big seller.
Recreation rooms with pool tables, game tables or video games help keep cabin fever at bay. Not having a good idea of what the new school year will bring? A well-stocked, roomy workroom/home office is something that is a “non-negotiable.” The kids can attend their online classes, have an area to work on projects or crafts, and a place to focus on homework. It is also where mom and dad can work, make video calls, and have a quiet space With that being said, let’s not forget to mention the most requested feature of the home office…a door! It’s occasionally humorous when Rufus photobombs your Zoom meeting, but there many times when it’s not optimal for Fuzzy to nap on your keyboard.
Thisis a great time to evaluate your home, discuss if it is really an optimal place for your family, and look at properties that may have features you’ve never thought about before. We will get through this. Please be safe and wash your hands!
Warm Regards, Connie
If you would like to discuss your unique real estate needs confidentially, you may call or text me at 847.508.7775 or email connie.antoniou@sothebysrealty.com.
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As Barrington Area Conservation Trust prepares to host its second annual Tartans for the Trust event later this summer, Country Magazine went behind the scenes to hear the personal stories of devoted board members.
Enchanted Gardens P.53
Tour several extraordinary North Suburban properties providing a delightful refuge for homeowners and honored guests.
FABULOUS FIVE
Celebrating Country Magazine’s 5th anniversary
Founder & Publisher
Associate Publisher
Editor-in-Chief
Contributing Editors
Style Director
Style Editor
Contributing Writers
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J.W. CONATSER
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ELAINE DOREMUS
PAMELA FLANAGAN, WENDY FRANZEN, DUSTIN O’REGAN, KELCEY ROBERTS, JILL ROJAS, KEMMIE RYAN, SHERRY THOMAS
THERESA DEMARIA
ALLISON DUNCAN
MITCH HURST, BILL MCLEAN, RONI MOORE NEUMANN
LINDA LEWIS
AMANDA ALVARADO
AMEEN QUITTEINEH
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126 Schooner
Beautiful all brick home in desirable Barrington Harbor. Enjoy the private neighborhood marina on the Fox River with boat slips available for residents in excellent dist #220. This home offers 4600 sf of above grade living space + a full finished basement on 1 acre includes 5 Bedrooms, 4.2 Baths, gourmet Kitchen open to Family Room, Plus a 2nd beautiful 1st floor bonus Family Room and a Sunroom. 4C Garage.
Privacy awaits! Elegant brick home offers 6,200sf of living space on 1.2 acres private cul-de-sac setting adjacent to forest preserve. Volume ceilings in Living Room, Family Room, Kitchen, and Foyer. Enter to dramatic Bridal Staircase. Gourmet Kitchen boasts professional-grade appliances, huge island with quartz countertop. 16x12 Formal Dining Room, 1st-floor bedroom w/ Full Bath and Library. Full walk-out LL includes 2nd full Kitchen, Bedroom w/ full bath, exercise room, Media Room, and Billards area. Could be used as an in-law suite.
Custom built 4 Bedroom, 4.2 Bath home with exceptional curb appeal combines the perfect blend of warmth and elegance. Exceptional details throughout that today’s savvy buyer will appreciate: Extra wide moldings, soaring ceilings, hardwood flooring, front & back staircase plus extra large room sizes throughout. bright open floor plan includes large Kitchen w/6 ft island plus an enormous pantry that would be the envy of any chef open to 2 story great room. Finished walk-out LL has Media area, Billiard area, Rec Rm w/fireplace and additional Bedroom & full Bath.
Enjoy the peaceful quiet setting for this charming classic colonial on 1 acre. Kitchen with large island is open to Family Room with beautiful new stacked stone fireplace and brand new slider to spacious patio, all great for entertaining. This 4 Bedroom, 2.1 bath home has been freshly painted and offers all gorgeous newly refinished hardwood flooring throughout. 4 second floor bedrooms including master suite with remodeled bath plus ex-large shower and walk-in closet. 1st floor laundry. 2 C side load garage. Excellent Barrington dist #220.
hat a spring this has been for all of us!
I think you’ll join me in welcoming summer and the opportunity to get outside and spend time with friends and family. I also hope you’ll enjoy this issue of Country Magazine, which continues our tradition of highlighting the people, the philanthropy, and the generous spirit of those living and working in the Barrington area.
Three board members of Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT) grace our cover this month. We applaud BACT’s work over the years and shine a spotlight on the organization as it prepares to host its second annual Tartans of the Trust—even with current restrictions to overcome. Read “The Highlanders of Barrington,” written by Sherry Thomas, to understand the dedication of the board members and the depth and breadth of the vital work they do to preserve, restore, and protect our open lands.
Also in our features, we take a moment to celebrate five years, and counting, of bringing Country Magazine to you. We are proud of the publication we produce that spotlights the people, events, organizations, and businesses that make our community so unique.
And, check out the colorful array of spring gardens in “Enchanted Gardens” that will inspire you to design your own dream outdoor oasis.
In Art & Artist, we highlight the art being created by
area artists in anticipation of this year’s Barrington Art Festival, now rescheduled to September. I’m sure you’ll be as happy as I am that this beloved annual art fair will still take place, with safety precautions put in place. Mark your calendars.
As for Barrington teens, they never cease to amaze me. Read about recently graduated Barrington High School student Julia Samborski, who created her own impressive animated music video and looks to have a promising future in the field of animation.
Don’t miss our House & Home department this month, which offers loads of home design ideas. The time is perfect to reinvent your home environment. Check out the gorgeous work that Advance Design Studio does to help homeowners looking to upgrade kitchens and bathrooms.
Be sure to page all the way through to read One Last Thing, featuring Patty Jacobsen of Barrington Area United Way (BAUW), which joined forces with Barrington Area Community Foundation (BACF), to create the Barrington Area COVID Relief Fund. These Barrington givers rallied early to respond and quickly began helping people in need when the Stay at Home order impacted our friends and neighbors.
This year is the perfect time to really appreciate our outdoor spaces in Barrington that give us plenty of room to move around safely and enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Until next time,
Elaine Doremus, Editor-in-Chief elaine@jwcmedia.com
Barrington Area Conservation Trust will host its second annual Tartans for the Trust event later this summer. Our feature story, “The Highlanders of Barrington,” shares details of the event and the personal stories of devoted board members, who are not only making the event possible during impossible times, but who continue to uphold the nonprofit’s nearly two-decade-long mission to preserve and restore the lands we all hold dear.
Nowhere is hope more evident than in the arts. In response to the closing of all cultural performances due to the COVID-19 crisis, Joffrey Ballet got creative in a different way. Joffrey Connects is an innovative email campaign that brings snippets of the Joffrey to audience members every week, introducing the people who bring their talent to the Joffrey and stage each day. From performance excerpts and rehearsal trailers to interviews and even a ballet workout for home, go behind the scenes and backstage to get that dose of culture you crave—right now. To sign up for the email list, or to donate, visit joffrey.org.
Known for its No. 1 unsweetened flavored water, Hint introduces new reef-safe sunscreen made with Hint fruit essences. When it’s time to travel again, and you head to the beaches to snorkel and scuba, pack Hint reef-safe sunscreen—good for your skin and the environment. The clear fast-drying mist provides water-resistant coverage for 80 minutes. It is enhanced with Hint essences in addition to a complex of skin-loving ingredients that moisturize your skin including kiwi, aloe vera juice, passion flower, karanja oil, and raspberry—making it also a sensory experience. Visit drinkhint.com to find a store near you.
The Barrington 220 School District has been named one of the nation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation. “Music Education provides students with a 21st century skill set that sets them up for future success,” said Brigid Tileston, Barrington 220 Director of Fine, Visual and Performing Arts. “Through music education students develop skills in the areas of creativity, collaboration, leadership, and communication. All of these skills are necessary in an ever-changing and interactive world.” Barrington 220 is one of just 19 school districts in Illinois to receive the designation for its outstanding commitment to provide music access and education to all students.
The credits begin to roll. Julia Samborski’s 10-year-old mind races. Seconds
later, following the premiere episode of the animated mystery-comedy series Gravity Falls in 2012, Samborski’s eyeballs morph into small planets. She then continues to read name after name, as each scrolls north on the television screen.
Transfixed and delighted, Samborski—who had identified with the characters (twins Dipper and Mabel Pines) and admired the show’s writing—experiences an aha moment. Aha swells to AHA when the huge fan of cartoons researches the field of animation.
“I thought, ‘Hey, there are people who actually work on those shows,’ ” Samborski, a 2020 Barrington High School graduate, recalls in a BHS-TV “Student Stories” interview. ‘I could work on those shows. I could make a show. Oh, I could be a cartoonist, an animator. I could make stuff up that I’d actually want to watch.’ ”
Samborski made an animated music video this
past winter in her Video Production class, taught by Dr. Jeff Doles. She dubbed it “Brutus,” the name of a song by the female rapper The Buttress. Samborski received permission from the singer to use the track for the assignment. The striking, professional-looking music video lasts only 3 minutes, 42 seconds, but Samborski created 2,700 frames to produce it.
It’s a riveting, thumping piece of work, with the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March serving as its backdrop. A sampling of the searing lyrics: “I love you and if you want I’ll call you king/ But why do I lie awake each night thinking/Instead of you, it should be me?”
“I’d first heard the song in 2018,” Samborski says. “I loved it; it’s still my favorite song. It’s filled with raw emotion. Through the video, I wanted to express a lot of emotions—anger, resentment, envy, wrath, and pride. It took patience and persistence to complete it, but what helped me was the early feedback I got from my teacher after showing him snippets of it. Dr. Doles told me, ‘Good, this is good, this is very good.’ He showed me aggressive enthusiasm.”
With her pursuit of a career as either a cryptozoologist or a monster hunter trampled by her Bigfoot-sized interest in landing a job at Cartoon Network, Samborski kept hammering away at the challenging task, meticulously generating her interpretation of lyrics via characters and movement and abrupt splashes of color. An animator’s daunting math: 12 frames equals 1 second of screen time.
Julia Samborski eager to pursue a career in animation— perhaps at Cartoon Network—one frame at a time.
BILL MCLEANJulia Samborski
“In 20 years of teaching, I have never had a high school student remain focused for months and hundreds of hours on a single project like Julia had,” Doles marvels. “It was a passion project for her, put together with tremendous enthusiasm. The final product impressed me. Julia had a unique and creative vision and was able to take the concepts in her head and transfer them through her artistic abilities.
“I have no doubt that one day I will showcase Julia’s professional work to students in my classroom. Maybe she will even let my students and me come by her studio for a visit.”
At the urging of her mother, Kim, Samborski took a cartooning class at Harper College in Palatine several summers ago. She was 15. The age of some of her classmates on those Wednesday nights? Twice as old, at least. The professor showed the students animation cels. The students designed storyboards. Samborski, no surprise, aced the course, and nobody would have been stunned if she had entered the same classroom the next summer as an adjunct professor after receiving her driver’s license at a DMV.
“My brain is a sponge,” says Samborski, who, before the onset of the pandemic, expressed an interest in attending School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Minneapolis College of Art and Design or California College of the Arts in Oakland. “My dream job is to become an executive producer of an animated show, maybe one about a girl detective fighting monsters. You know what would be really amazing? Getting to work someday with Dana Ter-
race [a 29-year-old film director, with Gravity Falls storyboard artist among her credits].”
The Julia Samborski who sat in a chair on Day One of Doles’ Video Production class several months ago isn’t the Julia Samborski you see and hear today. Samborski was fiercely independent and practically mime-quiet back then. Art—her moving, captivating art and glowing reactions to it—TNT-ed Samborski’s shell to smithereens.
“At first, she kept to herself, working on her laptop,” Doles says. “However, after some of the students saw her amazing work, she opened up and shared her creativity with the class. Those students and I can’t wait to see what Julia creates next.”
To view Samborski’s animated video film, visit youtube.com/ watch?v=z9LsXjH7KHQ.
After being postponed from its original May date because of COVID-19, Barrington Art Festival is planning to bring the works of some of the area’s most accomplished creators to the Village in September. While this year’s event will be different with new safety protocols in place, several featured local artists say they are looking to getting their pieces back in front of the public.
WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS
The irony of the pandemic is not lost on the Barrington area artisans who have been toiling away all year to prepare for the annual Barrington Art Festival. They, like all great masters through the centuries, once craved the luxury of solace to focus on their medium of choice.
What we just lived through isn’t what they had in mind.
“I don’t know if I can blame it on COVID, but I did branch out and now have some portraits of people with solemn, concerned, and worried expressions,” says Kim Ritschel, a North Barrington oil painter who will be showing at the annual juried festival for the first time this fall. “Maybe the solitude was good for that, but I’d happily give up any improvements due to solitude to get back to my weekly art class!”
She’s not alone.
Jackie Smith, President of Barrington Area Artists Association (BAAA)—the renamed Barrington Cultural Arts Center—and also a featured artist at the popular Amdur Productions fest on the weekend of September 12 to 13, says the coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the arts community.
“For some artists, it’s made it more difficult to create art. We haven’t been able to meet as a group, which is so important for fostering creativity and providing feedback and critique,” explains Smith. “Our inability to display artwork in person has made sales very difficult. Our primary arts venue, Barrington’s White House, had to close its doors, but it also took the opportunity to open up virtually.”
The ability to engage and interact online has defined 2020 in ways that will go down in history. From Zoom happy hours to the virtual art festivals for other Chicago area organiza-
tions that Amdur is hosting this summer, internet access was critical to surviving the months-long shelter-in-place order.
Sharron Boxenbaum of North Hoffman Estates, a longtime member of BAAA, who will show her acrylics and oils at the Barrington Art Festival, says that even though artists are notorious for appreciating time alone, they are also social beings.
“Normally I attended a weekly gathering of artists to paint from live models. Since self-isolation, I’ve been trying new activities, such as joining a group from New York weekly and painting models on Zoom,” she continues, adding that it’s been enjoyable to try these new approaches, which also include Zoom critiques of plein air artists and even a Zoom gathering of artists painting a single-landscape reference photo.
Amy Amdur, Founder and President of Amdur Productions, a nationally acclaimed organization that has been producing arts festivals in the Chicago area for more than three decades, says virtual innovations have made it possible to connect artists with patrons in unprecedented ways.
“We have three virtual art festivals happening this summer where we’re recreating the festival experience online. You can enter the virtual booth, see the art, and even meet the artists,”
explains Amdur. “If you think of the artists as micro-businesses, they depend on festivals to make money, so this has been a hardship. People are having problems paying bills, and that’s why we’re doing virtual festivals to give them the opportunity to get their work in front of customers.”
As for the Barrington Art Festival, which was rescheduled from May to September during the state shutdown, Amdur says the live show will go on, but some things will be different this year.
“The most important thing is the safety of the artists, the public, the people working at the festival, and the volunteers,” she explains, adding that Amdur has developed a list of “best practices” to ensure social distancing and wellness.
Masks will be required for artists and attendees. Pathways through the festival will be organized by direction, touch zones will be eliminated, and popular festival staples such as food vendors and the children’s art area will not happen this year. Participants will instead be encouraged to safely patronize local restaurants and Amdur says the kid’s activities will be “on vacation” until 2021.
“These are just some of the ways the festivals need to adapt for these times,” she adds. “What will stay the same is great art, the opportunity to meet and talk to artists from near and far, and a place to slowly and carefully get back to normal life. That’s what we’re hoping for. We feel that the arts have always been important and they’re more important now as move through the healing process.”
Amdur also notices a trend shared by some of the BAAA artists participating in this year’s festival—a new palette emerging in colors of loss and despair.
“My personal artwork has always reflected some loneliness and sadness. Also, isolation,” says Boxenbaum. “Artists are very sensitive and typically our work reflects our feelings and thoughts.”
Smith says she looks forward to seeing what artists bring to this year’s festival, an event that BAAA has participated in since its inception as the Barrington Cultural Arts Center.
For Ritschel, that will likely be a selection of her oil paintings, though she’s not quite sure just what yet. “I haven’t been painting that long, so I typically like my newer work better and so am more inclined to show it,” she says.
Jeani Allaway, a Barrington Hills artist who works in both watercolor and oil mediums, says she will likely also bring new pieces.
“I have been showing my work at the Barrington Art Festival every year that BAAA has asked to be involved. This show is a well-supported event in my hometown, so I look forward to the local residents and others who will see our paintings,” adds Allaway, who specializes in animal art. “There are so many types of art and many different artists show their work at this event. This is a hometown fair on Cook Street.”
She made the most of her time at home recently by focusing on the positive aspects of life and work being put on “pause.”
“Being in my studio can become a job if I am working on too many commissions, which I was doing before the shutdown,” she explains in an interview just before the shelterin-place order was lifted. “Now I have the time to relax and explore new subjects to draw and paint.”
Those include dogs and cats, but she’s also begun a new series of “gun dogs” and “hunting dogs” and other commissions.
“This pandemic has made me aware of thankfulness, being grateful, and being in touch with God,” adds Allaway, who had an interior design business in Barrington and Oak Park for 25 years. “I have a beautiful studio overlooking a lake, so I am surrounded by nature. Creating is my passion.”
Janette Tepas, another Barrington artist who will be participating in September’s festival, expects to show a combination of photography and painting with watercolors and acrylics. Her unique medium combines original photography with digital paintings of her own photos.
“Having just moved to Barrington this past summer, I was interested in getting involved with the town in general and arts in particular. This will be my first time attending a festival as an artist, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do so as part of a group, rather than doing so alone my very first time,” says Tepas, who recently joined BAAA so she could meet other local artisans. “I hope to learn what it might be like to be a part of an art festival from the point of view as an artist rather than as just a shopper. It would be great to sell some art, but regardless of that, I love to learn about new things.”
Hoffman Estates artist Maarten Tonneyck also credits BAAA for allowing him the opportunity to participate in the festival.
“The medium I prefer is oil paint,” he says. “Nevertheless, sometimes I experiment with acrylics if I want to do something fast and simple.”
He plans to show works this fall from Holland, Europe, and several different types of landscapes.
Smith says that despite the challenges, BAAA’s representation at this year’s juried festival could be one of the best yet. The pandemic’s impact has also inspired the organization to increase its Facebook presence and enhance its website to better showcase local art classes and events.
Amdur applauds the efforts of BAAA and all its member artists. Beyond the company’s usual festival offerings, it has also unveiled a new e-commerce site, artzipper.com, for artists to showcase and sell their works.
“The arts need to be supported now more than ever before,” adds Amdur, encouraging Barrington art lovers to also check out several virtual art festivals being held later this month on amdurproductions.com. “If people need something new in their home, or a new piece of jewelry, buy it from a local artist.”
Featuring more than 130 juried artists, the Barrington Art Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 12 to 13 in downtown Barrington. For more information, call 847-9264300 or visit amdurproductions.com/event/barrington-art-festival-2020. For more information about Barrington Area Artists Association (formerly known as the Barrington Cultural Arts Center), visit barringtonculturalartscenter.org.
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Think about the ways we select a dentist. Some will ask a friend or neighbor. Others will go online and check reviews. Some will even respond to advertising that comes in the mail. But even with all of these methods, we cannot be sure how good their work is. This is where accreditation comes in.
Imagine that your dentist’s work could be evaluated by the top dentists in the world. They would have to submit their work for evaluation and it would have to pass the highest of quality standards. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has a program that performs this exact type of screening.
For 35 years, the AACD has offered this credentialing program.
Accreditation serves to set the standard for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Achieving accredited status from the AACD requires dedication to continuing education, careful adherence to the protocol, and a resolve to produce exceptional dentistry. Over the past 35 years, thousands of dentists have attempted to complete the process but only 400 have been able to meet the standard. Of these 400, only 200 in the world still practice dentistry today.
The process begins with a written examination. If the candidate passes the written part, they can then start the clinical portion. This involves completing five different reconstructive procedures that are pre-determined by the association. Each case is photographed under high magnification and also requires a written report. Once the documentation is complete, the case is submitted for evaluation.
After the clinical portions are passed, a final oral examination is conducted along with a review of all the clinical photography and reporting. Only after passing all of these steps does the dentist receive his accredited status.
When you are ready to look for a new dentist, let AACD help you. Go to aacd.com and select the “Find a Dentist” tab. You will be asked to enter your location and you will be given a list of the dentists in your area. Keep in mind that less than 1 percent of the world’s dentists are accredited so you may have to travel to get to one. This first step will be a lot more reliable in getting the quality work that you need than asking a neighbor, going through online reviews or responding to a coupon.
Vein Specialists of Illinois, a locally owned leader in non-surgical and personalized treatment of venous disorders, truly Cares about your health.
For your convenience we will remain open for business with reduced hours during the COVID-19 alert period. We will maximize patient safety screenings to minimize potential risk of infection. VSI will adhere to the CDC and local health systems recommendations. Call 847.957.1091 for hours of operations.
Trusted professionals, Dr. Sorenson and Dr. Lutz are double Board Certified and Diplomates of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine with more than 30 years experience. You may have vein disease if you have any of the following symptoms:
Thomas A. Lutz, MD RVT RPVI
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As Barrington Area Conservation Trust prepares to host its second annual Tartans for the Trust event later this summer, Country Magazine went behind the scenes to hear the personal stories of devoted board members, who are not only making that event possible during impossible times, but who continue to uphold the nonprofit’s nearly two-decade-long mission to preserve and restore the lands we all hold dear.
WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN BRIGGS
ne of Meghan Norton’s fondest and most vivid childhood memories is going on a bird watching expedition to Baker’s Lake. She was a Hough Street School fifth grader the first time she discovered this local gem, but her eyes were as wide open to the beauty that surrounded her then as they are today.
“Baker’s Lake is one of the very places that was saved from housing development decades ago through the early conservation efforts of Dave Nelson, when he was a Village Trustee and then Village President, and others,” explains Norton, who will co-chair Barrington Area Conservation Trust’s (BACT) August 29 Tartans for the Trust event at the Sanfilippo Estate.
And it was none other than Nelson himself—a longtime Barrington resident and member of the Illinois Conservation Illinois Outdoor
OHall of Fame—who personally reached out to her more than a decade later with an offer she couldn’t refuse.
“When I returned to Barrington Hills with my husband and small children after 15 years of living in different cities all over the world, he gave me a call and told me about the great work this organization, BACT, was doing to protect Barrington’s undeveloped natural areas from commercial and residential development,” says Norton, who now serves on the BACT board of trustees. “The decision to become involved was not a difficult one for me.”
Norton’s story, and her lifelong devotion to her hometown, is just one of many. She and fellow board members are champions of the lands we all share—advocates and ambassadors on a nearly two-decade mission to preserve, restore, and inspire.
Often the tasks before them, such as the rescue of lands in the Barrington area, border on the impossible. The same could be said about this year’s event itself, a tartan-clad tribute to the highlanders of Scotland, a country that had an undeniable influence on the founding of Barrington itself. Yet Norton and her conservation comrades from the “highlands” of Barrington always seem to find a way.
“We as lifelong residents of this exceptional area have a responsibility to protect the lands we love,” says BACT Executive Director of Development Michelle Nagy Maison. “I love knowing that the
work I do with BACT will have an impact for generations to come. My hope is if my kids decide to move back to this area that we were able to retain the rural character of the land around us.”
Matt Vondra, Vice President of BACT and chair of this year’s Tartans for the Trust, has been smitten with these hills and valleys since he was a teen.
“My first visit to Barrington Hills was in high school, when I visited for school sports from my hometown Glenview,” says Vondra. “I was awestruck that there was a community with vast open spaces and rural, equestrian, and agricultural values. Engaging with nature makes every afternoon and evening feel like a vacation.”
A year after he and wife, Erin, moved to Barrington Hills in 2012, Vondra embraced the opportunity to get involved in BACT and its mission.
“This isn’t your ordinary nonprofit, and while the goals of many others are noble and necessary, the mission of land conservation is perpetual and ongoing,” says Vondra, who worked with his father, Mike Vondra, and their family business, Bluff City Materials, on a notable conservation project in the the Bluff Spring fen in Elgin. “In an essential way, the
BACT is a resource for private landowners to accomplish their open space goals. These goals are as diverse as each individual’s desires, while keeping with the mission of protecting rare and exceptional natural areas.”
The importance of this cannot be underestimated.
“The opportunity to invest in the operation of the BACT provides lasting and wide-ranging benefits—from the physical restoration of the preserved land to the internship and experiences afforded to all of our volunteers, along with the beauty of the protected lands for the enjoyment of all,” he adds.
Karen Trzaska, BACT board member and member of the nonprofit’s events and digital marketing outreach committees, says conservation is more than a charity.
“Conservation is a lifestyle. Like any healthy habit, it can be stepped into at any age—whether you jump in with both feet or take baby steps. Conservation has no limitations or boundaries,” the Barrington Hills resident continues, telling the story of her own path to BACT. “We moved here in 2000 because we loved the open space and the surrounding beauty of the Village, from the expansive natural land and the forests to the rolling hills.”
The organization we know today as Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT) was founded in 2001 by Mary Bradford-White in Barrington Hills. Through advocacy, education, and promotion of responsible land stewardship, its mission was to preserve the open space, rural character, and scenic, recreational, and natural resources of the Barrington communities.
Here are just a few of the ways BACT has preserved, restored, and inspired over nearly two decades:
520 acres of land preserved
10 conservation easements
17 Heritage Corridor scenic byways
5 nature preserves
10,000+ native plants and shrubs planted
52 monarch pollinator gardens installed
110 oak trees planted
1,000+ high school students inspired 300+ volunteers engaged
70+ homes, schools, churches, and businesses certified as ecologically healthy
BACT Board Chair Bryan Croll invited her to meet with fellow board members Larry Ekstrom and Ben Brown to get involved in their ongoing fight to save and preserve these lands they cherish.
“We are so fortunate here in the northwest portion of Illinois to have access to such diverse and beautiful natural land. It’s our duty to protect these spaces for future generations to enjoy,” she says, adding: “I also feel we have a responsibility to our planet and to our future generations to make a commitment to conservation. Not only do I want to do my part, I want to be an example for my kids so that they may bring that spirit of conservation into their adulthood. Conservation is an overwhelming global issue and I hope that we educate our local community so that we all understand it begins in our backyard.”
Jan Nestrud, fellow board member who serves with her on the BACT events committee, was drawn to the cause through her equestrian pursuits in Barrington Hills, or as she affectionately calls it, “horse heaven.”
“The many horse-focused organizations are dedicated to open spaces and conservation of our precious land resources. No land? No horse!” says Nestrud, explaining that her work on these initiatives spans more than 40 years.
“This passion led me to the join the Spring Creek Stewards whose mission is to restore Spring Creek Forest Preserve to its pre-pioneer ecology. It was also an opportunity to help preserve the historic bridle paths in the preserve.”
BACT Founding Member Dave Nelson, the same conservation champion who enlisted Norton, invited her to join the board 12 years ago.
“I feel privileged to represent the voice of the equestrian community which was central to the development Barrington Hills,” she adds. “I also feel heartened to be involved in this organization that creates educational and stewardship opportunities for students and adults to carry on conservation initiatives that will not only preserve our Barrington area but hopefully go beyond to save our planet.”
Given the nonprofit’s roots in Barrington Hills and these ties to equestrian culture, it’s not surprising that the inaugural Tartans for the Trust event in 2019 was held at the Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center—and would have been held there again had the pandemic not swept through the nation earlier this year.
However, Maison says relocating a scaled-down version of the highlander-themed fundraiser to Jim Sanfilippo’s estate in Barrington Hills is only going to make the 2020 event more noteworthy.
Trzaska agrees, adding that despite the modifica-
tions, she certainly still plans to get into the highlander spirit with her attire. “We are adapting to the limitations we are faced with due to the global pandemic and making some necessary changes but have some fun things happening this year for the event.”
Similarly, Norton will be wearing her signature boots, Nestrud will likely be donning her ancestor’s tartan colors and crest, and Vondra is looking forward to the “comfort” of wearing a kilt again. “It’s quite an experience,” he says, adding: “This event is about enjoying open space and people are free to dress comfortably to most appreciate the rare open spaces we occupy.”
And that, Norton emphasizes, is why this year’s BACT fundraiser must go on, even if it means adapting to an unprecedented global health crisis. Masks can be worn and a vaccine will eventually come, but the peril that Barrington’s savannahs and hills continue to face on a daily basis is enduring.
“These natural spaces face constant threats, with everything from road expansion to commercial development. It is all of our responsibility to protect these open lands into the future, so that those who come after us can be inspired and nourished by them as we have been,” she says. “We can do this through easements and also through education, so that young people grow up moved to be stewards of the land and to see the importance of the continued existence of these vibrant natural areas in Barrington.”
She sees the recent crisis as a teaching moment, a chance to build on the power of community that fueled the creation of BACT nearly two decades ago.
“It’s teaching us many things, not the least of which is that we are all in this together, and that we all have a role in caring for our planet.”
This year’s event on August 29 will look and feel different from last year’s inaugural offering, but BACT’s mission remains to the same—to preserve our community’s rare and exceptional open spaces for current and future generations.
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented ideas and to that end, BACT has embraced the call for ingenuity, fully revamping everything about this year’s Tartans for the Trust fundraiser on August 29.
Michelle Nagy Maison, BACT’s Executive Director of Development, says she is excited about what the Events Committee has put together to make sure the second annual highlander-themed event can go on as scheduled, but in full compliance with state guidelines for social distancing and safety.
“This year’s Tartans for the Trust will take on a new look. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, we plan to have a small 50-person live event outside at the Sanfilippo family polo field in Barrington Hills,” she says. “At the same time, we will host a virtual event by livestreaming and doing exciting raffle prize drawings in real time.” The Tartans for the Trust main raffle sponsor for 2020 is Bluestem Ecological Services, offering generous prizes valued at $15,000.
Maison says she hopes many who can’t attend in person will support BACT virtually by participating through the livestream by inviting friends for tartan-themed viewing parties to listen to live music and watch the event. For the lucky few who get to attend the “adults only” party in person, Maison says one of the highlights will be a narrated tour of a rare fen of the Sanfilippo’s private conservation easement.
“We are so grateful to Jim Sanfilippo and his family for making this possible,” she adds. “While we were originally scheduled to hold this event at the Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center, relocating to this spectacular location is in line with everything BACT stands for—to preserve, restore, and inspire.”
For more information, visit bactrust.org. Supporters of BACT are also invited to log on for raffle prizes and other special offers, including the event livestream. Sponsors for this year’s event include James and Elizabeth Bramsen (Chieftain); The Stephenson Family Foundation (Lords & Ladies); The John Klaas family (Clansman); Larry and Laura Ekstrom, Mackie Consultants, Northern Trust Bank, and the Vondra Family (Order of the Thistle).
Tour several extraordinary North Suburban properties providing a delightful refuge for homeowners and honored guests.
INTRODUCTION BY RONI MOORE NEUMANNardens of astonishing beauty can be found across the globe: Jacques Majorelle’s garden in Marrakech; Gertrude Jekyll’s Munstead Wood garden in Surrey; Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant’s gardens in Charleston; and, of course, Claude Monet’s Giverny in France.
Yet, as demonstrated in the pages that follow, glorious gardens can be found much closer to home—literally in the backyards of North Suburban neighbors. Cultivated by renowned horticulturists and landscape architects, these exquisite gardens serve as living examples of the artistic principles of balance, contrast, and pattern.
Socialite and avid gardener C.Z. Guest observed, “I’ve always felt like having a garden is like having a good and loyal friend.” May these pages inspire you to nurture a relationship with your own garden; a relationship destined to bring joy for years to come.
Chalet is a third-generation, family-owned, local business serving the North Shore for more than 100 years. Today, Chalet is one of the North Shore’s leading onestop destinations for inspired landscape design, locally grown plants, curated home décor, and customer service that creates lifelong connections. Chalet helps people to discover fresh, imaginative ways to design their outdoor space; create inviting, inspired homes; and grow a personal connection between beauty and nature. Chalet is located at 3132 Lake Avenue in Wilmette, 847-256-0561, chaletnursery.com.
This Wilmette landscape consists of 25 mature trees including ash, American elm, and crab apples. Large planting beds filled with Annabelle hydrangea, Wolf’s Eye dogwood, and Pixie Meadowbrite coneflower border the property. A granite cobble driveway welcomes guests to the front of the home and a large bluestone patio provides ample space for entertaining. Weekly visits by an experienced management crew ensure the lasting beauty of the landscape. Photography by Mike Crews
The landscape plan for this 2018 contemporary build was comprised of a simple planting palette and included only four plants; river birch, juniper, arborvitae, and sedge repeated throughout the property. The landscape reflects the clean lines and architecture of the home and helps connect the landscape to the nearby wooded bluff. Spring flowering bulbs pop up through the sedges to create a surrounding bulb meadow. The front entry is framed by a Koi pond with stone steps that appear to float just above the water. The steppers are heated so the homeowners and guests alike can safely step across the path year-round. A large bluestone patio in the back yard looks out over the wooded bluff. The new, low care landscape compliments the architecture of the home and nestles it into the surrounding neighborhood. Photography by Andrew Merz
A third generation, family-owned business founded on trust and service, Mariani Landscape began modestly in 1958, providing garden maintenance services along Chicago’s North Shore. Mariani has grown over the past 60 years, providing award winning landscape design, construction and maintenance, and now ranks as the largest residential company in the United States. Mariani Landscape is located at 300 Rockland Road in Lake Bluff, 847-234-2172, marianilandscape.com.
Mariani Landscape transformed this outdoor space for the 2017 Lakeforest Showhouse & Gardens event. Traditional boxwood hedges, white hydrangeas, and green euphorbias work harmoniously with the English country style of the house. Add to that white geraniums and tulips and you find a garden with a vintage, throw-back feel. Photography by Tony Soluri
This picturesque property is comprised of 10 acres bordering a public prairie preserve. The landscape architects developed a series of garden rooms each addressing different needs of the homeowners. These garden rooms include a potager garden for organic vegetables, an orchard for organic fruit, a butterfly garden for horticultural experiment, a pool area for active play, an open lawn space for large tent parties, and an outdoor kitchen and terrace for dining al fresco. The prairie unifies the garden rooms by providing the perfect backdrop. Photography by Linda Oyama-Bryan
Celebrating 60 years, Schmechtig Landscapes has taken pride in masterful landscaping employing its old-world traditions and perspectives introduced by the founder, Klaus Schmechtig and handed down to his son, Michael. This year, they welcome Michael’s son and third-generation family member Matt Schmechtig. Their philosophy treats the landscape of a client’s property as an extension of their home by combining design solutions with experienced horticultural maintenance services. Schmechtig’s successful practice comes from dedication to building long-term relationships with their clients—and that is why the majority of their work comes directly from referrals. Schmechtig Landscapes is located at 20860 West Indian Creek Road in Mundelein, 847-566-1233, schmechtiglandscapes.com.
Longtime Schmechtig Landscapes’ client, Jeannie Balsam of Jeannie Balsam Interiors, asked Schmechtig to team up with her firm to develop a full site outdoor living design for a Glencoe residence. Michael Schmechtig and his team created a plan honoring the architecture of the home while prioritizing the family’s lifestyle preferences. The landscape design reflects the timeless nature of the site. A sweeping bluestone walk leads to the front door where large urns are filled with seasonal interest. The home is framed by mature ornamental trees, plant layers, color, and texture. Backyard living spaces reflect the family’s lifestyle preferences, featuring an outdoor dining area enclosed by a vine covered pergola, a seating area, a modern water feature, an outdoor kitchen, and sweeping steps that lead to the back lawn. A rooftop garden features a secluded seating area, a contemporary water feature, and plants with seasonal interest. The property is on a weekly maintenance program to maintain the integrity of the landscape design for years to come. Photography by Dustin
Halleck
Since our debut in the Barrington area, Country has sought to bring readers the essence of life well lived in our communities. We’ve featured many generous and passionate philanthropic people that pay it forward every day, social events spotlighting the who’s who among us, teens who are making a difference, artists from all walks of life, our community’s rich history, ambitious entrepreneurs, and thriving local businesses—many who partner with us to support our magazine. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of our covers over the past five years—where they were then and what they are doing now. We look forward to the next five years, and beyond.
When she appeared on our cover in February 2015, Nausheen Din, MD, was raising awareness of the dangers of “teen sexting,” working on a book, and growing her practice as a psychiatrist working with children and adolescents. Since then, her two children have gone off to college, she relocated her residence to Chicago and added a practice there, and she expanded her work to individuals and organizations across the country. Dr. Din’s focus on her clients’ wellbeing, healing, recovery, and growth is unwavering. She builds on the premise that psychiatric struggles must be understood as an illness no different than cancers, dementia, or a fractured femur. She supports various causes, including Bear Necessities, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Prevent Child Abuse America. Most recently, Dr. Din has been invited by a major university system to contribute as an advisor for a documentary series, and to educational institutions and Greek systems. Not surprisingly, rather than slowing down or cutting back, she sees this decade as an invitation for personal and professional growth.
June 2015
In June 2015, Henry M. “Hank” Paulson (former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury) had just released his book, Dealing with China: An Insider Unmasks the New Economic Superpower. He continues in his role as Chairman of The Paulson Institute, a non-partisan, independent “think and do tank” dedicated to fostering a U.S.–China relationship that serves to maintain global order in a rapidly evolving world. The institute recently announced the launch of a new Green Finance Center, marking a significant step forward in its efforts to promote sustainable economic growth and environmental protection in China and the United States. Paulson is also featured in the 2018 HBO documentary, Panic: The Untold Story of the 2008 Financial Crisis. He was raised in Barrington and maintains a home here with his wife, Wendy.
Back in August 2015, Cindy Galley and her daughters were just learning to ride horses and navigate the equestrian world. They had moved from Chicago a few years earlier to Barrington Hills where they built their house and established their family home. Since then, Galley has become fully immersed in the community and the horse competition circuit. She says her own riding has taken a back seat as she plays the role of “horse show mom” with both daughters riding and competing as well as hockey mom. After serving on the board of Barrington Junior Women’s Club for some time, Galley currently serves on the auxiliary board of Barrington Youth & Family Services, chairing its upcoming gala on. She also serves on the board for Barrington Area Conservation Trust and is involved in the Little Garden Club. Galley continues to be a good friend and neighbor to her community and Country Magazine
It was March 2016 when Laguna Beach and The Hills star Kristin Cavallari (who spent her junior high freshman high school years in Barrington) had just released her book, Balancing in Heels, which became a New York Times bestseller. Cavallari and her three children now live in Nashville. In the spring of 2018, she released her second book, True Roots: A Mindful Kitchen with more than 100 Recipes Free of Gluten, Dairy, and Refined Sugar. And, in the summer of 2018, Cavallari’s E! reality show, Very Cavallari, premiered. Now in its third season, the show follows Cavallari starting with the opening of her flagship store and Nashville headquarters of her rapidly growing fashion and lifestyle brand, Uncommon James. The brand now has retail locations in Chicago and Los Angeles. We’ll keep our eyes on our own hometown girl for what’s next.
EXQUISITE INTERIORS
A South Barrington home embodies family-friendly glam
CHAMPAGNE AND CAVIAR Passport to luxury travel at the Valley
ENDURING LEGACY
March 2017
Equestrian, polo goddess, and downright nice person Pamela Flanagan appeared on our cover in March 2017. It was clear this passionate young lady who described herself as “horse crazy” was going places. The Wynstone (Barrington) native, who was on her way to law school at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, had already helped start a polo team at SMU and attracted the attention of the U.S. Polo Association to be a model for the iconic U.S.P.A. clothing line. Since then, Flanagan became a lawyer and joined the family firm, specializing in property tax appeals. She is cofounder and president of Women’s International Polo Network, dedicated to elevating women and helping them gain exposure in the world of polo. And she remains passionate about advocating for rescue horses. In fact, two of her own rescue horses—Stella and Nala—competed in the U.S. Women’s Open polo matches in March 2019, which Flanagan’s team won. In October 2019, she became the youngest person ever elected to the board of governors for the U.S. Polo Association. Flanagan recently relocated to Denver with boyfriend and Argentinian professional polo player, Lindor Novillo Corvalan, and is slated to enter the 2020 U.S. Open competition with a team sponsored by Hawaii Polo Life. We’ll be rooting for her and her team.
Wynstone native Pamela Flanagan takes to the polo fields for “the game of kings”
Husband and wife Fabio Viviani and Ashley Jung appeared on our cover in April 2017. The Italian chef, restaurateur, Top Chef contestant, and cookbook author had recently married Barrington Hills native Jung after falling head over heals for the “tall, beautiful blonde.” He had relocated to Barrington that year; the couple had a son named Gage (now 4); and Viviani was building his empire, both in the Chicago area and across the country. By the end of 2019, Viviani had expanded into hotel management and food and beverage, opening a total of 40 restaurants, including several in Chicago (Sienna Tavern, Bar Siena, Prime & Provisions, and Mercato) and the suburbs (Osteria in Downers Grove) to date. He has plans to open 12 more in 2020. Best news to report, Viviani is in negotiations with the Arboretum of South Barrington to open a restaurant right here in our community. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned.
FIELD NOTES
Our new conservation col umn is unveiled
HIDDEN HERO
The Vault explores an untold story from the Battle of Barrington
When Barrington native Ashley Jung met star Fabio Viviani, it was love at first sight
Just last fall, Bryan Muche of Barrington Hills appeared on our cover, sharing his passion for the time-honored tradition of duck hunting, duck conservation, and related philanthropic causes. Since then, Muche has embarked on several new exciting opportunities and projects. In October, he coordinated and led his annual Delta Marsh waterfowl hunt that raises funds for conservation efforts—this time with no electricity or heat in the remote cabin in Portage La Prairie, Canada. Muche has also been delighted to dabble in acting. He’s worked in the background on several movies and television shows filmed on location and at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, including roles in Empire, Fargo, and new shows for 2020 including Utopia, Channel 11, and Next. He just completed producing a pilot episode for a proposed TV series titled American Sporting Life, a program that celebrates the heritage and culture of an outdoor lifestyle. Muche hopes it will be picked up nationally, by PBS, a cable network, or a digital streaming platform to introduce outdoor experiences to new audiences. Entrepreneurially, he has been working on developing a new approach to matching caregivers and care recipients based upon their shared spiritual beliefs in a senior home care service business (livingcaretoday.com). And, he continues to market and sell his own invention—eco-friendly and humane Catch A Mouse mousetraps, a mouse solution ideal for those with children or pets in their homes (greenbottleusa. com). We can’t wait to see what the dynamic and ever-curious Muche will be up to next.
Stay at home in comfort and style with fresh new ideas for your nest
Designer Christine Jurs and her husband, Todd, a general contractor were set up on a blind date, and the two ended up getting together in more ways than one. Now married with children, in 2002 they relaunched Todd’s original company, Advance Design Studio, Ltd., a soup-to-nuts residential renovation company that simplifies the renovation process for homeowners.
Homeowners are often put in the position of having to manage multiple professionals—brought together independently—to get that new kitchen or bath, including architects, designers, suppliers, and contractors.
Advance Design Studio’s business model retains all of
those roles in-house, and the client interacts with one designer and project manager team throughout the duration of a project. The model also allows the company to provide amazingly accurate cost analysis’ up front.
“We don’t believe having to get three bids for a project and then choosing the middle bid serves the homeowner well,” Christine Jurs says. “They will often find out after spending time and money developing plans that the project is way too expensive.”
Instead, Jurs refers to Advance Design Studio’s approach as “Common Sense Remodeling,” in which the client has a clear idea of a solid design direction and real projected costs of a project—far before any work starts.
“Our designers can look at a project and give the client a range of options, so they’re not making decisions in a vacuum,” Jurs says. “They have a realistic cost range based on concrete designs and options right up front.”
Jurs says the company’s process starts with a complimentary consultation with potential clients
When a designer and a general contractor met and fell in love, a full-service renovation company was born.Christine and Todd Jurs
so designers can get a clear idea of the client’s priorities and the client can experience firsthand what it feels like to work with the team. A custom-developed analysis of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and love-to-haves with the associated costs are line-itemed for reference.
“The key to getting rolling is targeting a budget range and choosing options together that fit that budget,” says Jurs. “Our designers are gatekeepers for what goes into the shopping cart and help keep the client on track while still exploring and developing the creative design side of the project.”
Jurs emphasizes the importance of project team continuity even before plans are drawn up, products are selected, or construction begins.
“Early in the project development we bring everyone to the project, including the tradesmen,” says Jurs. “Because we have 100 percent control from start to finish, everything we show is real, and we are able to manage the process creating predictability throughout the experience for the client.”
The company has always been committed to safety and isolating construction areas. As an essential business, its staff has created remote meeting options and is currently completing projects under construction in according with all safety measures during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We chose Advance Design because of their professionalism, design ideas, and the fact that they are a one-stop shop. We were impressed with the original drawings and ideas, but then when we were able to pick out the materials with the designer’s guidance, the end result was simply magical,”
–former client Laura Scarry, of Deerfield
Given its 28-year history, it’s likely the pandemic represents a bump in the road for Advance Design Studio and the many current clients that are having new kitchens, baths, and additions completed. Jurs reports the company is actually quite busy now with the summer just getting underway and a busy fall season ahead.
Todd and Christine like to refer to their company as the “big little company,” a family run business that does about 100 projects a year. The magic formula for Advance Design is and always has been having everything under one roof.
“Our industry tends to piecemeal the process and it’s rather like herding cats in a sandbox,” Jurs says. “Having done what we do well for nearly 30 years, it just makes sense and I can’t imagine doing it any other way.
EDITED BY ELAINE DOREMUS / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TOMS-PRICE HOME
One Life Kitchen is a culinary space designed to create food and dining experiences in a warm environment that feels like home. The studio features hands-on cooking classes, nutritional seminars and also serves as a private event space for dinner parties, team-building events, bridal showers, kids birthday parties and more.
One Life Kitchen, a Great Place to Host a Variety of Private Parties
Private Dinner Parties
Wine and Cheese Tastings
Birthday Parties
Bachelorette Parties
Bridal Showers
Baby Showers
Business Meetings
Networking Events
Team-building Meeting and other special events!
that modeled decadesinspired fashion for Hope’s in Style.
SPRING FLING!
PAGE 76
More than 100 guests dropped in to an open house hosted by A Life From Scratch at Tattered Tiques in North Barrington this spring.
PAGE 78
HOPE’S IN welcomed more than 200 guests to its 8th annual fashion show fundraiser, raising about $70,000 to advance HOPE’S IN’s mission to empower families living in Guatemala City.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD
“Decades of Dreams,” featured student teams from the Barrington area
Instagram @alifefromscratch
More than 100 guests dropped in to the “Spring Fling!” open house hosted by A Life From Scratch at Tattered Tiques in North Barrington this spring. The purpose of the meet and greet was to create genuine connections among small businesses and within the brand, A Life From Scratch, Courtney Holsworth’s brainchild blog and Instagram brand that offers recipes and inspirational tips on life and family. Guests enjoyed refreshments, including Abby’s cookies and granola to take home from Safe + Fair, an allergy-free food company (safeandfair.com).
hopesin.org
Hope’s in Style welcomed over 200 guests to its 8th annual fashion show fundraiser. The event, themed “Decades of Dreams,” featured more than thirty student teams from the Barrington area modeling decades-inspired fashion. With the help of about 100 local volunteers, hope hit the runway, raising approximately $70,000 to advance HOPE’S IN’s mission to empower families living in Guatemala City and help develop the next generation of humanitarian leaders.
Ann Abraham, Margaret Zambrzycki, Candace Tabor
Karen, Melissa & Cheryl Stathakis
Suzanne Speichinger, Kelly Speichinger, Amanda & Eleanor Van Marwijk Kooy
Founders Chloe Quigley, Courtney McGovern
Amanda Van Marwijk Kooy
Elizabeth Schuh, Stephanie Terzich, Susan Sakalys, Patricia Terzich
The Tarulis Family
WORDS BY CHIRAG PATEL, MD PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK ISHMAN
For both men and women over age 50, recommended cancer screenings include colon cancer and in certain cases lung cancer. Men also test for prostate cancer and women for breast and cervical cancers.
Colon cancer screening starts at age 50, although screening is recommended at an earlier age in high-risk family history cases. Various testing options are available including fecal immunochemical test (FIT), guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), stool DNA test, or MT-sDNA, CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy, and the colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy is a newer procedure where the patient swallows a capsule with cameras on each end taking thousands of pictures, transmitted wirelessly to a recorder. Although less invasive than the colonoscopy, it is not the first choice for cancer screening and more often is used for small intestinal surveillance, where scopes cannot reach.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Lung cancer screening is considered on a case-by-case basis. In patients with a chronic smoking history, lowdose CT scans are recommended for early lung cancer detection. The frequency of these scans should be determined by your primary physician or lung specialist (pulmonologist).
For men, prostate cancer screening is recommended at age 50 onward. The common blood test called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is often ordered with routine blood testing performed on a yearly basis. However, the PSA is not specific for prostate cancer as its level can be elevated due to other conditions such as infection, elevated parathyroid hormone, or an enlarged prostate. Physicians have varying opinions on whether to test and how frequently testing should occur.
Women with an average risk of breast cancer should undergo regular screening mammography starting at age 45. Women aged 45 to 54 years should be screened annually. Women 55 years and older should screen every other year. Screening should continue biennially with a life expectancy of 10 years or longer. Other newer testing includes blood marker tests and MRI of the breast, although these tests should not replace the mammogram screening.
All women should begin cervical cancer testing (screening) at age 21. Women aged 21 to 29, should have a Pap test every 3 years. At age 30, a Pap test is combined with an HPV test every 5 years. This interval testing should continue until the age of 65. The testing interval changes based on test results, high-risk factors, and other medical conditions based on your primary care and/or gynecologist’s recommendations. There are always exceptions to the rule, so be sure discuss your personal health and cancer screening with your primary care physician.
Hansa Medical Groupe has offices at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamedicalgroupe.com.
PATTY JACOBSEN’S connection to the Barrington Community started before she was born, when her parents met at Barrington High School (BHS) in 1950 and married in 1956. After a brief time away, her family settled back in Barrington to raise their children and enjoy time with grandparents. She attended Countryside school when it was K-8, which is where she first met Young Chung, now President of Barrington Area Community Foundation (BACF), whom she partnered with to form the Barrington Area COVID Relief Fund (BACRF). Jacobsen and her husband also raised their two daughters in Barrington, in Fox Point, where their daughters first became competitive swimmers. She credits Barrington with giving them the foundation for success. Professionally, Jacobsen bought her father’s independent insurance agency in 2007; became actively involved in the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman in 2016; and began working with the BAUW on its Allocation committee, before becoming President two years ago.
EDITED BY ELAINE DOREMUS / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKOBACF approached Jacobsen and the BAUW with an idea of creating a $100,000 Challenge grant to help raise funds for the jointly formed BACRF. “Since Young Chung was involved and the current President of BACF, I had no hesitation that it would be beneficial for all, and it has been,” she says. “We have joined members from our board with other community leaders to see where the most pressing needs are in our community and have granted money to several organizations. We are reviewing our next grant cycle to be distributed within the next few weeks.”
1. Last grant made by the new BACRF that demonstrates the significance of this program and its support of people impacted by the pandemic?
The first grant cycle was focused on the urgent and basic need for food. All recipients were providing meals in one form or another to our community. It has been eye opening to again realize life starts with the basics, and I am glad we were able to help so many area nonprofits provide meals for our community.
2. Last act of kindness and generosity that took your breath away and made you appreciate the Barrington area community?
When the Rotary Club had a special lunch to honor my dad, who I consider as one of the many pillars of the Barrington community. He was involved in the Barrington Rotary as a past president, and he never liked to miss a lunch meeting. When his illness was getting the better of him and he was no longer able to attend the lunch meeting, the noon Rotary brought the lunch meeting to him at The Solana of Deer Park, his new residence. Several Rotary members shared funny stories or remembrances of my dad. He and my whole family were very touched. My dad passed away 10 days later
knowing he had a long full life and was loved and respected. You can’t ask for any more than that.
3. Last Barrington Area United Way event that reinforced for you the important work BAUW does?
In March, the BAUW held our annual Power of The Purse event just before the world came to a halt. We were fortunate to get the event in and it was our most successful POP event. Our very worthy grant recipient was the SMART girls program from the Boys & Girls Club. Kim Singletary gave an inspiring speech and it was a wonderful evening for all.
4. Last family trip that you remembered as you waited out the days of “stay-at-home?”
Our last family trip was a cruise to Norway when our youngest was headed off to college four years ago. We had a crazy storm one night and it felt like we were on the Titanic. People had their life vests on and my family was hanging over the balconies with excitement as the boat splash was coming up 11 stories.
5. Last new habit you started during the COVID-19 pandemic that has changed your perspective on life and family?
The pandemic has certainly changed the way we communicate with each other. ZOOM meeting are the norm but I really enjoy ZOOM happy hours with friends and family. I’m very close with my brothers and uncle; my mom is 86 and has never been tech savvy, so instead, I talk to her daily on a landline. In the past, we would just individually call each other and catch up and spread gossip about the other ones, etc. In a ZOOM call, you can actually see what they look like and their lack of grooming and really make fun of them. We have lots of laughs and now more than ever we need to find time to laugh.
