A Gust of Grief, A Flood of Gratitude
It's November. Thanksgiving's spirit approaches each of us in very individualized ways. In many years, gratitude flows easily. In others, it can be complicated, hard to stick to the script.
As I write, my wife comes over and hands me her phone; it’s playing a live stream from Georgia, on a TV news app. The Vice President is in Augusta, speaking to the locals there in the city of my wife’s birth, acknowledging the widespread devastation there and in so many places in the southeast ravaged by Hurricane Helene, sharing the emerging escalated rescue efforts among federal, state and local responders to save and aid those in need, and preparing for the long difficult road to rebuild homes and lives that lies ahead.
Our earlier phone calls to long-distance family had, thankfully, confirmed none were injured, but their key services were severed: no power, no water, sporadic cell service, extreme lines for gas, uncertain whether relief would be a matter of days or weeks. That said, our relatives were relatively fortunate; for others the recovery and return to near-normal will take months, or years.
We remember our Thanksgiving road trips south over the years; we’d stop halfway to shop and relax in Asheville NC in the Biltmore area, in lovely mom-and-pop shops that suddenly now are… completely washed away, gone. Thoughts of “There but for the grace of God, go I” are flooded by something akin to survivor’s guilt.
But even (and perhaps, particularly) in these most-trying times, gratitude proves to be much more than a reluctant acknowledgement; it becomes an imperative. We see resilient communities come together defying the crisis, neighbors helping neighbors and even strangers, pulling together in ways that inspire and call to our best selves to help where and how we can… becoming our own conscious expression of gratitude for the blessings we have.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness, creativity, achievement, and giving back to our community. We’re thankful for the residents and businesses in SW Lake County and nearby who support so many wonderful organizations making our community vibrant, including our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorstep each month. They’re all part of our vision to bring inspiring, useful stories and the good news of our community directly to you.
Gratefully yours,
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Michael Beightol | michael.beightol@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Stephen Neilson | stephen.neilson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Christina Sikorski
SALES SUPPORT MANAGER
Bill Taussig | btaussig@coyotemarsh.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kimberly Blaker, Angela Broockerd, Kim Mikus, Stephen Neilson, Christina Sikorski, Sheena Steedman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Beightol, Cindy Cardinal, Jack Gallagher, Shari Gullo, Janie Jones, Cathy McCauley, Scott Moore, Stephen Neilson
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
STEPHEN NEILSON, EDITOR
Tips to Keep You Protected from Cyber Thieves
By Rosemarie Madulara
In today’s world, cybercrime continues to be a real and dangerous threat. Criminals are always looking to get one step ahead of preventative measures and cybersecurity protections put in place for individuals and families, as well as businesses of any scale and size.
How do you protect yourself from bad actors operating in the cybersphere? Luckily, you are not alone when it comes to everyday banking. Here are a few tips you can take to help prevent online fraud.
Remember the basics:
• Do not open emails from unknown sources or click on unknown links.
• Do not install software from unknown sources or unknown websites.
• Do not make payment decisions based on mobile versions of emails.
• Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
• Do restrict access to sensitive data.
If you are working from home, be sure to comply and stay current with any of the security protocols your company employs, including installing the most up-to-date patches, updates, and security software. If we learned anything from the pandemic, it is that the internet makes it convenient for businesses to ensure work goes forward. The increased reliance on logging in from home has also emboldened cyber thieves to take advantage of remote workers even more than when we were all in the office working together exclusively.
The banking industry has done a good job of protecting workers and businesses with online banking tools, but bad actors always come up with new schemes to try to get around security systems. One of the more common methods includes criminals gaining access to email accounts, impersonating those individuals, and then directing those within the company to either wire or ACH funds out.
Our fraud team is on the job 24/7 to assess threats, take preventative actions, and work with clients to stay vigilant. Will all this guarantee that you or your company will never suffer from a fraud attack? Probably not, but rest assured we are completely committed to providing the type of fraud protection for our clients — individuals, families, and small businesses — that allows everybody to sleep well at night because at Hawthorn Woods Community Bank our vigilance never stops.
Rosemarie Madulara Branch Manager
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Chicagoland’s “Walk & Roll,” a fundraiser for the FSHD Society, was held at Barrington’s Citizens Park. 2: More than $136,000 was raised for research into this disease, a type of muscular dystrophy. 3: North Barrington’s Joanne Dalessandro (center, pink shirt) was diagnosed with FSHD this year. 4: Dr. Alan Dalessandro (right, in black) accompanies Joanne to kick-off the event. 5: Mark Stone, CEO of the Massachusetts-based FSHD Society, thanked participants. 6: Michelle & Dick Spinell, members of “Joanne’s Warriors,” with Michael Beightol. 7: Each of the many teams sported colors expressing support. “Joanne’s Warriors” raised nearly $108,000. Photography by Michael Beightol
“From the initial consultation to the successful sale of our home, Renee demonstrated a level of professionalism and dedication that truly set her apart. She impressed us with her expertise in staging our home. Renee provided valuable insights and recommendations, leveraging her deep understanding of the real estate market to showcase our property in the best possible light... If you are looking for a real estate agent who will not only meet but exceed your expectations, look no further.” H E R E ’ S W H A
3524 Long Grove Rd, Long Grove SOLD!
191 N Pleasant Rd, Lake Zurich SOLD! UNDER CONTRACT!
4862 Preserve Pkwy, Long Grove SOLD!
21375 N Middleton Dr, Kildeer UNDER CONTRACT!
25890 Crest Hill Dr, Barrington FOR SALE!
28 E Peter Ln, Hawthorn Woods FOR SALE!
1146 Steeple View Dr, Long Grove FOR SALE!
21061 N Andover Rd, Kildeer FOR SALE!
City Lifestyle Is Now from Lake-to-Lake
First there was SW Lake. In 2023 Crystal Lake Lifestyle launched. And now, North Shore City Lifestyle has premiered with its November issue. That means three publications now provide family & luxury lifestyle news and feature coverage from Crystal Lake to Lake Michigan. The North Shore publisher is Keely Conrey (pictured). To learn more about editorial and advertising opportunities "from lake-tolake" please contact Michael Beightol (michael.beightol@citylifestyle.com).
Photography: Jack Gallagher
Scan to read more
Holiday Gift Shopping Underway in Wauconda
Smart shoppers know that to get the jump on holiday gift giving downtown Wauconda offers an intriguing two-in-one shopping experience on Main Street. Hometown Gift Shop (HGS) is a seasonally-themed retailer across the hall from Threads Boutique, long revered as an apparel retailer for men and women. As a companion experience to the fashions from Threads, HGS offers oneof-a-kind items whether for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and more. Both shops are at 118 Main Street.
Photography: Stephen Neilson
Just Because the Seasons Change Doesn't Mean Golfing Ends
It happens every year in November. Golfers grudgingly store their clubs for the season... but thanks to David Yi, owner of X-Golf Kildeer, golf season doesn't have to be be over. With 10 state-of-the-art golf simulators, full bar, food & snacks, and daytime and evening leagues the golf season never ends. Want to host a foursome? Package deals are available just by calling 847.847.1723. X-Golf is in Kildeer's Quentin Collection (20771 N. Rand Road).
Photography: Michael Beightol
The Joy of AMeaningful Life
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
”It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts.”
— Adlai Stevenson
The point Stevenson illustrates in this quote is a reminder of how it’s easy to lose sight of living a meaningful life. It’s an interesting phenomenon, with the amount of time, energy, and money we invest in living healthier, longer, and happier lives. Yet, we can often still feel unsatisfied and that our lives are devoid of meaning.
HOW TO FIND MEANING AND OVERCOME ROAD BLOCKS
THE
GREATEST SACRIFICE
MAY BE LITTLE MORE THAN STEPPING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE OR SETTING ASIDE A LITTLE HAPPINESS IN EXCHANGE FOR SOMETHING MORE FULFILLING, UPLIFTING, AND MEANINGFUL.
When it comes to living a meaningful life, there’s no one size fits all solution. What makes life meaningful is unique to each and every person. So to find meaning, you may need to do some exploration to discover what speaks to you.
Meaning can come from many different avenues. Unlike happiness, which stems from receiving or doing things for yourself, meaning comes from giving or doing for others.
Perhaps for you, it comes from fostering a close family relationship. For some, it’s about choosing a fulfilling career path that involves helping others through teaching, nursing, counseling, or coaching. Others find meaning by giving back to their community by joining service-oriented groups such as the Kiwanis, or volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister. Purpose can also come from forming an organization for a national cause you’re passionate about, or perhaps taking up a hobby you enjoy, such as gardening, then donating your excess produce to a soup kitchen.
But before you begin your journey to explore new avenues for meaning, evaluate what you’re doing with your life right now. Maybe you’re already giving in a way you don’t even realize and aren’t giving yourself enough credit. If so, you may just need to reframe in your mind what you’re already doing and understand what you do really does matter. If it still isn’t enough to satisfy
Leo Burnett
FARMER & AD INDUSTRY LEGEND
“When you reach for the stars you may not quite get one, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either.”
Lake Zurich resident Leo Burnett, founder of the influential advertising agency that bore his name, lived at his farm in what is now known as White Birch Lakes at Old McHenry and Fairfield roads. Burnett twice expanded his property and built two lakes that exist to this day – Lake Naomi (named for his wife) and Lake Leo.
The farm provided not just quiet and solace for the legendary ad man, but was a place for fun, an important part of Burnett’s life. “Creative ideas flourish best in a shop which preserves some spirit of fun,” he once said. He hosted retreats for his top execs where some of their most notable creative ideas were born, including Tony the Tiger, the Green Giant, the Pillsbury Doughboy and the Keebler Elves.
In 1971 after a day at his Chicago office, Burnett returned to the farm for a quiet dinner. He passed away in his sleep that night.
your quest for a meaningful life, explore other options that are important to you.
After you’ve determined what would bring meaning to your life is often where the challenge lies. You must now make a conscious decision and concerted effort to follow through. If you’ve chosen a challenging path, only you can decide if the sacrifice and risk are worth the reward of a meaningful life.
Often, we can inwardly blow those sacrifices and risks way out of proportion. Our most significant risk may merely be an unrealistic fear of failure. The greatest sacrifice might be little more than stepping outside your comfort zone or setting aside a little short-term happiness in exchange for something more fulfilling, uplifting, and meaningful.
If these are the things holding you back, work toward changing your frame of mind. Schedule 20 minutes a day to sit in solitude with your eyes closed envisioning your meaningful life. Allow yourself to build excitement and desire for that which would bring meaning to you and others.
Also, spend some time each day reading up on or listening to audiobooks and watching online videos relevant to the activity that would bring meaning.
If you find you’re still holding yourself back, talk to supportive family members and friends, and ask them to hold you to it. A counselor or coach can also lend support to help you move toward your goals.
Whatever path you choose, and regardless of its outcome, give yourself credit for your efforts. Remember, having a meaningful life is often as much about how you perceive what you do as it is about what you do.
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer and regular contributor to SW Lake. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at SageRareBooks.com
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA SIKORSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY CARDINAL, SHARI GULLO, CATHY MCCAULEY
Art Drive Sauk County
Preserve Cooperative’s project nears completion on-site.
GRATITUDE FOR NATURE: LOCAL RESIDENTS COLLABORATE AGAIN ON LARGE-SCALE ART DISPLAY.
Hanging on the wall next to her computer, Lake Zurich resident Shari Gullo keeps a quote from American philosopher and conservationist Aldo Leopold: “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.”
Gullo is no stranger to tinkering. She and her frequent collaborators — Cathy McCauley from Lake Zurich and Pam Self of Arlington Heights — have brought beauty to our community with the Phoebe Snetsinger Memorial Garden (in Hawthorn Woods) and the Ela Peace Pole (in Lake Zurich).
The partnership continues with what Gullo says is a shared vision of art where “women’s accomplishments are celebrated, nature is revered, peace is worked toward, and diversity in nature and amongst human beings is fervently treasured.”
Working under the name Preserve Collaborative , the trio is just one of eight groups or individuals out of 160 applicants who were selected to design, build and show large scale artwork as part of the Farm Art DTour hosted by the Wormfarm Institute last month. The annual driving tour is in Sauk County, about two and a half hours northwest of SW Lake County in the hilly, picturesque Driftless region of southwest Wisconsin.
According to their website, the Wormfarm Institute’s mission is to “cultivate connections between our rural and urban neighbors through art, food, and land.” The Farm Art DTour program allows for exploration of these connections via a 50-mile backroad route.
Vince Gullo (L), Jason McCauley (R) and Cathy McCauley (front) use a wooden spacer to ensure the correct sizing of a shelf that will hold glass canning jars.
Lake Zurich residents Cathy McCauley (L) and Shari Gullo (R) with Pamela Self of Arlington Heights are the Preserve Collaborative. Photo by Cindy Cardinal.
Nine-year-old June McCauley (L) and 11-year-old Willow McCauley (R) helped measure reclaimed wood, stapled chicken wire and drilled screws into the pieces.
Leopold lived in Wisconsin when he wrote the best-selling book A Sand County Almanac. In the 1930s, he used simple tools and reclaimed materials from an old chicken coop to create a retreat for his family so they could get closer to nature.
Using Leopold as inspiration, Preserve Collaborative used boards from old fences and discarded pallets, along with chicken wire as a nod to Leopold’s design. Building the sixteen modular pieces that will comprise the display took place over the summer on weekends and evenings in Shari Gullo’s garage in Lake Zurich. Family members volunteered to assist in building pieces for the installation, including nine-year-old June McCauley and 11-yearold Willow McCauley who helped with measuring reclaimed wood, stapling chicken wire and drilling screws that hold the structure together. Vince Gullo built three Aldo Leopold benches that will be included at the installation for visitors to use while taking in the images and surrounding landscape. Over multiple weekends during August, the artist team rented U-Haul trailers and hauled all the pieces that will be used for the final installation to a family’s farm in Spring Green, WI for storage close to the installation site. The sections were then driven to Sauk County and assembled into the final display by Preserve Collective the first week of October.
The installation includes representations of about 25% of the total species present in Sauk County, with 1,000 specimen images viewable in glass jars. There are empty jars meant to highlight the ongoing challenge of taking care of our planet. Gullo hopes that this display “will inspire awe, wonder, and a desire to conserve and protect by all who see it.”
Sunlight passing through the images used in the installation will create vibrant colors and a stained-glass effect.
Shari Gullo (L) and Pam Self discuss the use of reclaimed wood covering the raw edges of the chicken wire encasing each piece of the installation.
Upon completion, the structure will house approx. 1,000 glass canning jars displaying transparency images of almost a quarter of the species in Sauk County.
“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching — even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” — Aldo Leopold
The group is grateful for this project and the opportunity to work together again. Self says, “I am filled with gratitude to work with these two women who can accomplish any goal, put collaboration first and continue to challenge me.”
McCauley wants people to feel inspired by the natural world and how we can all work together to keep it thriving. She says, “I am in awe of how much natural diversity exists. I hope people will feel joy and gratitude, and a sense of responsibility to the natural world.”
The team’s intelligent tinkering led to months of work, including help from spouses and children, with cutting, painting, and using tools, all with the goal of staying true to Leopold’s desire to protect and restore natural habitats.
Learn more at wormfarminstitute.org/programs/farm-art-dtour or visit the Preserve’s Instagram page: @preserve.collaborative.art
Publisher’s Note: Farm Art DTour, including the installation created by Gullo, McCauley and Self, will be featured in an upcoming issue of SW Lake
Preserve, inspired by Aldo Leopold.
Vince Gullo built three Aldo Leopold benches that will be included at the installation for visitors to use taking in the images and the surrounding landscape.
The team was issued $250 from Wormfarm to create a model for consideration, which led to resizing the images to completely fill the space.
The modular segments await transport to Sauk County for assembly.
SAVOR LIFE & FIND YOUR True Wealth
ARTICLE BY SHEENA STEEDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MOORE
The soft morning light filters through the curtains as you awake to birdsong and a gentle breeze. Stepping onto the balcony, you behold endless vineyards rippling in the Tuscan hills and can’t believe this paradise is real.
Walking downstairs, you’re greeted by many new faces of people smiling and excited to see you, new friends, gathered around a long wooden table immaculately set with steaming quiche, luscious fruit, warm bread, and Italian cappuccino.
This is just the beginning of days spent practicing yoga in nature’s rhythms, discovering ancient towns, and pausing to savor beauty at every turn.
Indulge in Tuscan serenity, savor life’s richness, and rediscover yourself
If you can envision waking up like this, you’re ready for a yoga retreat with Scott Moore.
Retreats are an investment—in your truest self—the part of you that gets lost in the rush of daily life.
We frequently invest our money into stocks, bonds, and real estate, yet fail to invest in the one irreplaceable resource that makes it all possible, ourselves—our true wealth.
On this journey, all details have been meticulously planned so you can stay within your budget and fully relax into the experience.
After immersing in the richness of the present moment, slowing down and savoring life, you’ll return replenished and ready to bring this mindset of appreciation into your everyday world.
Reap the returns of a broadened perspective and renewed vitality—the dividends are endless.
Find out more about upcoming retreats with Scott Moore in destinations like Tuscany, Sardinia, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera at scottmooreyoga.com/retreats .
Thank You Bob Ross
ARTICLE BY KIM MIKUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB ROSS ESTATE
BOB ROSS’ HAPPY LITTLE TREES COMING TO LAKE COUNTY’S DUNN MUSEUM.
“Bob Ross’ ability to make art feel welcoming and approachable is something truly special. We’re excited to give our visitors a chance to experience his unique charm and creative spirit firsthand.”
Bob Ross, the grinning cotton-haired, bearded, gentlemanly painter who hosted a long-running instructional TV series, captivated the Millennial generation with his quiet, charmingly calming presence.
Long derided by serious collectors, Ross’ paintings now fetch upwards of $10 million with most selling for a very respectable $25,000 — $65,000.
A special exhibition, “Art for Everyone: Bob Ross®,” has opened at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum, running through January 20 in Libertyville.
Ross captivated audiences of all ages through his television series, “The Joy of Painting®.” Famous for his serene landscapes and memorable phrases, such as “happy little trees,™” Ross made art feel approachable.
The Museum’s exhibit showcases 75 of his original pieces, illustrating his original techniques and commitment to making art accessible to all. It celebrates how Ross used painting to spread joy and encourage creativity.
“We’re honored to bring the exhibit to the museum,” said Education Director Alyssa Firkus. “Bob Ross’ ability to make art feel welcoming and approachable is something truly special. We’re excited to give our visitors a chance to experience his unique charm and creative spirit firsthand.”
Robert Norman Ross, born in Florida in 1942, joined the U.S. Air Force at 18. During his time stationed in Alaska, he fell in love with the rugged landscapes — a passion that would later be reflected in so many of his iconic paintings.
After 20 years in the Air Force, Ross retired to Florida. He took painting classes and discovered the “wet-on-wet” technique taught by artist
William Alexander. The method allows an oil painting to be completed in a single session without waiting for layers to dry.
In 1982, he and his business partners formed Bob Ross Inc. They launched the TV series the “Joy of Painting®” on PBS, viewed nationwide. Ross possessed a quiet, natural charisma that endeared him to audiences.
He crafted a painting — typically on an 18” x 24” canvas — in less than 30 minutes for every episode, often drawing inspiration from the Alaskan landscapes he loved. From 1982 to 1994, he recorded about 400 episodes, sometimes producing as many as three shows in a single day. He continued to produce works for the TV show until shortly before his death from lymphoma on July 4, 1995.
Bringing art closer to home, the exhibition showcases the creative works of numerous artists who once called Lake County their home, enriching the local connection to the displayed pieces. “This provides a distinctive opportunity for the community to explore and appreciate their cultural heritage,” Firkus said.
Learn more at DunnMuseum.org, including museum hours and admission prices. The nationally-accredited Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, is located at 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. It’s dedicated to sharing the entwined stories of people, events and nature through exhibitions, education and community engagement. With a focus on local history, culture and natural environments, the Dunn Museum offers visitors of all ages an enriching and immersive experience.
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
loaded hummus
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
Grateful for Honored High Achievers
One woman raises awareness about breast cancer. Another provides much-needed childcare and tutoring. A third connects, celebrates and mentors women. For more than 40 years a fourth woman has taught dance locally.
ANNUAL OWL AWARDS RECOGNIZE LOCAL WOMEN FOR THEIR INSPIRING WORK HELPING OTHERS.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN MCNAMARA
What they have in common is that they are winners of the 2024 Owl Awards presented by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Biz Net (WBN). The foursome, Leslie Ferris Yerger, Linda Gump, Traci Sanders Campbell and Mary Brennan, received grateful accolades recently at Biltmore Country Club.
“Our communities are better and stronger as a result of the contributions of these Outstanding Women Leaders,”
Left to right: Leslie Ferris Yerger, Mary Brennan, Traci Sanders Campbell.
said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr. “OWL women serve as role models. They are breaking barriers and setting the bar high for their accomplishments professionally.”
Leslie Ferris Yerger launched My Density Matters after receiving a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. This set her on a mission to educate women that mammograms often miss detecting cancer in women with dense breast tissue (which about half of all women have with 71% of breast cancer occurring in women with dense tissue).
Leslie first raised funds to purchase Molecular Breast Imaging units, including one that’s now at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. She also founded a not-for-profit, My Density Matters, to help women understand their own personalized risk. Now she seeks legislative change to require insurance companies to cover additional screening for women with dense breasts.
Linda Gump founded Jovie Nannies and Sitters, serving the northwest and west suburbs. Before launching Jovie Nannies, she was a senior administrator for large healthcare organizations. Linda is known for her highly organized, results-oriented leadership, coaching, mentoring, communication, relationship building and problem-solving skills. Her ability to achieve consensus on the creation and execution of a strategic vision for her business has defined her reputation as leader in her industry.
Traci Sanders Campbell is the owner of BeSpire TV, a streaming service that specializes in programming geared to a diverse audience. She created BIBO Weekly TV and B Zone radio where women share, learn and grow together. She is a speaker, coach and founder of the C.H.A.M.P. Community Project, a nonprofit program that helps at-risk teens and single parents.
Traci is also the founder of the BIBO (Beauty In/Beauty Out) Awards, a multi-city platform to celebrate minority women-owned businesses honored for the mentorship work they are doing with minority students and entrepreneurs.
In 1984 Mary Brennan founded Barrington Dance Academy, providing quality dance education that over the years has taught hundreds of young artists and students. The focus has always been to provide professional instruction in a supportive atmosphere so that students build confidence, strength and learn the art of dance. Mary has served as a teacher and mentor to countless students over the years, fostering their creativity and passion for dance, and giving them performance opportunities to showcase their hard work and dedication. In 1989 Mary founded the Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE), a 501c(3) non-profit organization, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
For information on the OWL Awards call the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce at (847) 381-2525.
Top: Accepting for Linda Gump (left) is Monica Gump (daughter) with winners Mary Brennan, Leslie Ferris Yerger, and Traci Sanders Campbell. Bottom: An appreciative audience at Biltmore Country Club.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST – DECEMBER 29TH
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
Matinee and evening performances available at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre for "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." Directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunato, this classic includes beloved songs like “White Christmas” and “Count Your Blessings,” all performed in-the-round. Tickets and show times at MarriottTheatre.com
NOVEMBER 3RD
Back Home Again: Tribute to John Denver
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake | 2:00 PM
As seen on the PBS TV special “Back Home Again,” Tom Becker, former member of the legendary folk group The New Christy Minstrels, effortlessly embodies the warmth and humor of one of America’s best-loved songwriters. Presented at the Raue Center for the Arts. Learn more at Events.RaueCenter.org
NOVEMBER 8TH
Dozin’
with the Dinos
1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | 5:30 PM
Time for a family sleepover night at the Field Museum. Includes snacks, bedtime stories, breakfast, and the chance for kids to work like real scientists. Learn how to dissect owl pellets and how Egyptian royalty was mummified. For families and groups with children ages 6 —12. (Parents or legal guardians must accompany kids.) Learn more and register at FieldMuseum.org.
NOVEMBER 10TH
Celebrating 100 Years of “Rhapsody in Blue”
145 W Main Street, Barrington | 3:00 PM
Pianists Marta Aznavoorian and Boris Krivoshein have wowed audiences with selections from George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” along with works from Chopin, Beethoven, and Milhaud. Now they plan to perform at Barrington’s White House. Learn more and register at BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com.
NOVEMBER 16TH – JANUARY 4TH
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboreteum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle | 4:30 PM
Enjoy a short drive to celebrate the season among 50 acres of gorgeous trees while strolling on a mile-long, paved walking path surrounded by illuminated trees and festive music. Cozy tents along the way will offer beverages, snacks, and s’mores. Presented annually at the Morton Arboretum. Tickets at MortonArb.org. (Note that members purchase advance tickets before the general public.)
NOVEMBER 17TH
Birds of Prey
275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich | 2:00 PM
Visit the Ela Area Library to come face-to-face with local birds of prey. Learn all about raptor features and how they help our environment. Presented by Wings and Talons. Learn more at EAPL.org.
NOVEMBER 29TH - 30TH; DECEMBER 1ST, 7TH - 8TH, 14TH - 15TH, & 21ST - 22ND
Happy Holiday Railway
7000 Olson Road, Union
Take a 40-minute train ride through the countryside with Santa while sipping hot cocoa and munching holiday treats. Holiday lights will be on display along with an indoor model railroad exhibit. Trains depart from the historic 1851 depot in Union. Presented at the Illinois Railway Museum. Learn more (including departure times) and purchase tickets at IRM.org
