JUNE 2013 MEN WE LOVE
JUNE 2013
north shore —family, community and you
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GUY GARB THE BEST PIZZA COLLEGE VISITS EUROPEAN CAR TOURS
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7
DIGITAL VERSION Ben Harper performing at LIFT benefit at Park West
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contents JUNE 2013
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7
on our cover Ben Harper, performing at LIFT benefit at Park West in Chicago. Photo Š Mark Battrell
features
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Men We Love By Julie Chernoff, Susan B. Noyes and Lindsay Roseman Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse By Laura Hine
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Man-Centric, Family Friendly By Tate Gunnerson Guy Garb By Evangeline Politis
Lighten Up Your Window Treatments By Kristina Tober
Look Younger Without Plastic Surgery By Jenny Muslin Get Your Guy to the Doctor By Christy Coughlin Men, Women & Money By Meghan Streit How to Talk to Your Man By Marjie Killeen
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A Real Road Trip By Andrea Guthmann
a better you
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7 Tips to Make the Most of College Visits By Jody Buck
home
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dining and entertainment
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Guildhall Brings the Craft By Julie Chernoff The Best Pizza Search is On! By Julie Chernoff Books for the Beach Bag By Kelly Konrad
in every issue 8
you said it
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editor’s letter
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new in the northern suburbs
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recommended events
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events listing
make a difference
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make it better column
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music by val
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give time, give things, give support
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closing thoughts
Better Makers and Their Impact EcoMyths Alliance By Susan B. Noyes
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you s a i d i t
We love to hear from you, so please keep sending us your stories, comments, opinions, ideas and reviews! OnlinE
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facebook.com/makeitbetter.net
susan@makeitbetter.net
@makeitbetterNS
makE iT bETTEr TwEETs
TruE cOnFEssiOns TuEsday!
Thanks for the shout outs! Don’t forget to follow us @makeitbetterNS.
Do you think you, the spouse or the kids spend too much time with a digital device? Who’s addicted to technology?
Family Focus @familyfocus_org Thank you to @makeitbetterNS for featuring the great work of Family Network of Family Focus! ow.ly/keUKw
“Definitely me.” —Inna Feldman-Gerber
Make It Better @makeitbetterNS Need a good book suggestion? You can follow our book editor here (The girl LOVES to read!): ow.ly/k0g1O
“My husband and my son! If you don’t limit the time spent on it you will get nothing else accomplished.” —Tammy Fones-Smock
Teresa Stallone @tstallone @makeitbetterNS Can readers make suggestions, especially books written by local writers?
“Every single person I know, including myself. And it worries me. I keep thinking about the comedy sketch I saw that had eight individuals sitting at a conference table, speaking to each other via text. It’s funny, yet prophetic.” —Pamela Thatsme
Make It Better @makeitbetterNS @tstallone We love getting suggestions from our readers! You can tweet them to @LitzyDitz or send them to kelly@makeitbetter.net Fabio Viviani @fabioviviani Thank you so much for the review @makeitbetterNS!! So glad you enjoyed @SienaTavern :-)
“Who ISN’T addicted to technology?” —Greenfield Cabinetry Watch for our July issue for tips to “unplug” and enjoy a tech-free summer (for a few days, anyway!).
lasT mOnTh’s mOsT TalkEd abOuT arTiclEs:
Daytripper: Lincoln Square Laura Hine explored the cute, compact Lincoln Square area and shared her favorite places to spend an afternoon. “You covered some highlights, not sure I would say ‘all.’ What about Timeless Toys and the gelato shop? There’s the cute boutique with no name, several interesting gift shops, three charming ethnic restaurants, and Huettenbar, where they remove the front wall when the weather is nice. I could go on....” —Deborah Beien “All of my favorite places! Hope everyone enjoys it as much as we have.” —Liz Costello-Kruzich 8
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Protecting Your Grown Child During a Medical Crisis Lisa Zimbler shared great information about power of attorney that all parents of college-aged children should consider when packing the suitcases this fall. Read more on page 33. “Very important information, thank you for getting the word out there!” —Hope Wasserman Weis “Great information. Perhaps colleges should include this in their orientation of new students. I will forward this article to my grandchildren and their parents.” —Claudette Forss
Treasure Hunting at Chicago Home Stores jenny Muslin gave us a look inside some of the best Chicago stores for gathering home inspiration or doing some serious shopping. “jenny, your article is great! Can’t wait to check out these stores! Thanks for the great ideas!” —Brooke Hoffman “Great article jen, you know how I love home stores! How about an article on the best little boys clothes stores?” —Denise Michaels
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fou n de r’s l et t e r
In the green room at Park West
counting lives made better by SuSan b . noye S Welcome to our “men We love” issue.
lives made better
93,990 including Ben!
We hope that you enjoy reading about the men featured as much as we enjoyed getting to know them. This eclectic group—musician, author and lawyer, general and poet, educator, money managers—are united by one outstanding trait. They use their gifts and expertise to do their best by others as they achieve success for themselves, too. Their lives remind us of our mission. As you may already know, the mission of Make It Better is to be a most trusted, easiest to use community resource and magazine that helps you make your life and the lives of others better—online, in print and in person. We take this mission so seriously that we count the number of people who report that our work has helped them. This could result from something we wrote, a successful ad, or from a community development partnership or media sponsorship that helped amplify good works by others. We track this on a spreadsheet, which we call our “Lives Made Better” log. As of this printing, we know that we have helped 93,990 people. Rock musician Ben Harper, featured on our cover and in the photo at left with me, is one of them. When I explained how he and others can and should use this story to help spread the word about LIFT, with the goal of getting the good word all the way to the White House, he grinned and gave me this giant bear hug. If our work helps you too, because you learned something useful or were inspired to make a needed change or help others, please send me an email. We would love to include you on this ever-expanding list! Thank you,
Susan susan@makeitbetter.net
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586 Lincoln Avenue Winnetka, IL, 60093 | 847-256-4642 Founder & Editorial Director Susan B. Noyes Senior Editor Kelly Konrad Art Director Sarah Philippart Dining Editor Fashion Editor Finance Editor Fitness Editor Home Editor Make a Difference Editor Senior Living Editor Sex & the Suburbs Editor
Julie Chernoff Evangeline Politis Meghan Streit Christy Coughlin Tate Gunnerson Laura Tiebert Stuart Greenblatt Marjie Killeen
Contributing Writers Jody Buck Andrea Guthmann Val Haller Laura Hine Jenny Muslin Kristina Tober Lead Photographer Nathaniel Perry Contributing photographers Britt Anderson Tate Gunnerson Web Editor Lindsay Roseman Proofreader Julie Chernoff Creative Director Cheryl Berman CEO & Publisher Kimberly Carroll Co-Founder & Vice President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy Chief Financial Officer Sandy Tsuchida Ad Sales Director Michelle Weiss Director of Community Development Sandra A. Miller Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Megan Holbrook Julie Carter Account Executive Jenny Newman Make It Better Foundation Sharon Krone Got feedback? E-mail susan@makeitbetter.net to advertise: Contact michelle@makeitbetter.net
Carrying forward the best of magazine Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 12 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091-2642. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2013 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved. Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 1150 Wilmette Ave, Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091-2642. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2013 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.
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ON L I N E
OUR BETTER HALF IS ONLINE
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BETTER-LETTER
OPED
Ditch the matching furniture sets, and blend both modern and vintage pieces for a unique look.
must-read op-eds
what’s hot on makeitbetter.net BEAUTIFUL HOME
Treasure Hunting at Chicago Home Stores
Laura Tiebert: Do You Have an Underwater Mortgage? Let Go Read how one North Shore family let go of their dream home, went from being homeowners to renters, and changed their lives for the better. bit.ly/188AjRY Katie Gronendyke: For the Love of a Family: Why You Should Consider Foster Care It might be a life-changing commitment, but becoming a foster parent could provide a child with the stable, loving home they need to succeed. bit.ly/155j3y4
Restaurant remake: Noodles & Company Pesto Cavatappi. This recipe is SUPER easy and delish.
RECIPES
Sautéed Shrimp with Fresh Mango Salsa FASHION & BEAUTY
5 Fashion Tips to Always Be In Style FAMILY LIFE
Protecting Your Grown Child During a Medical Crisis
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JUNE 2013
iPad edition
If you have an iPad, you’ll want to download our Make It Better app, which gets you each month’s magazine for free! Download the free iPad app today MAKEITBETTER.NET/IPAD
SO obsessed with these J. Crew shorts for summer.
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fr e sh
b y j u l i e c h e r n o f f a n D l i n D s ay r o s e m a n
Get GorGeous at Cos Bar This Aspen-based luxury cosmetics and skincare boutique comes to Highland Park on the heels of the closing of Saks Fifth Avenue. The store will offer high-end brands, such as Laura Mercier, Tom Ford, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Dior and many more. Known for their super smart, professional staff and standout customer service, Cos Bar is sure to be the premiere destination to pick up your favorite products and fragrances. COS BAR: 655 Central Ave., Highland Park, 847-432-6249, cosbar.com —LR
erwin @ aroma Foodies all over Chicago were saddened by last summer’s closing of seasonally driven restaurant erwin. But Chicago’s loss is the north Shore’s gain, because Chef erwin Drechsler has taken over dinner service at Café Aroma in downtown Winnetka. Owner Mitra Ryndak is thrilled to welcome erwin and his crew to her delightful storefront, long a favored stop for breakfast, pastries, soups and salads. erwin @ Aroma will feature many delicious options, like Green Garlic Soup, Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Prosciutto, Bar Harbor Mussels with Shrimp and Chorizo, and Vesuvio Chicken Thighs. Dinner will be served Tuesday thru Saturday; reservations will be accepted. eRwin @ AROmA: 749 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-881-2601, cafearomawinnetka.com —JC
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Photos courtesy of each business, erwin Photo courtesy of erwin Drechsler
family travel Done riGht Want to show your kids the world? Book a luxurious, yet family-friendly trip with Awesome Odysseys, a new local travel agency that specializes in family vacations. each season, Winnetka’s Liz and Mike Kohler offer trips to destinations that kids have learned about in school or the movies (this summer is england, France and Italy). They do all the research and activity planning for you, while you explore and enjoy the culture. join other families on the trip for activities like biking, canoeing, visiting museums and chocolate factories, or organize your day on your own. Bon voyage! AweSOme ODYSSeYS: PO Box 8116, Northfield, 888-834-8675, awesomeodysseys.com —LR
Bat 17 renovation Long an evanston favorite, downtown deli Bat 17 has more than doubled its size with a recent expansion. It’s the place to be to watch televised northwestern sports, play pool, or to wrap your mouth around one of their enormous sandwiches, always made with world-class bread from Bennison’s Bakery. So pull up a seat at their new 35-seat bar, order a craft beer from their extensive menu, and split a “Bodacious” (roasted turkey breast, Swiss cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing on grilled rye bread) with a friend. It’s the only way to finish one of those babies! BAt 17: 1709 Benson Ave., Evanston, 847-733-7117, bat17evanston.com —JC
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e v e n ts
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TBS Just for Laughs Festival June 11–16 | Various locations justforlaughschicago.com If comedy is your vice, this week-long festival is sure to deliver. Catch top flight entertainment from the biggest names in the business. june
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27th Annual Scottish Festival 14 and Highland Games June 14–15 | Hamilton Lakes, Itasca chicagoscots.com It’s like walking onto the set of Pixar’s “Brave”—except there’s more. From hammer throwing to haggis hurling, this fest is all about the fun. Don’t forget your kilt! june
67th Annual Winnetka Children’s Fair June 7–8 | Village Green, Winnetka | winnetkachildrensfair.com A perennial north Shore favorite for families, this festival carries a lot of memories for the grandparents and parents now taking their little ones for carnival rides, games and summer fun. june
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Chicago Blues Festival 6 June 6–9 | Grant Park and Millennium Park, Chicago | cityofchicago.org If your bucket list includes attending the world’s largest free blues festival (and it should!), then it’s your lucky month. Head downtown to catch the best of the best as they put their heart and soul into each and every performance. june
Printers Row Lit Fest June 8–9 | Dearborn St., Chicago The Lit Fest is here! The Lit Fest is here! It’s Christmas for book-lovers at this five-block-long festival that celebrates the written word. Don’t miss bestselling authors, great kids activities and more, all weekend long. june
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Wagner Farm Dairy Breakfast June 15 | 1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview wagnerfarm.org Kick off summer with an old-fashioned breakfast on the farm—complete with dairy demonstrations, wagon rides, live music and really, really good food. june
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Custer’s Last Stand 15–16 | Main St. and Chicago 15 June Ave., Evanston | custerfair.com The summer’s outdoor arts festival season kicks into high gear this month, and this evanston fest never fails to entertain. Family-friendly, great entertainment and a wide variety of arts and crafts make for the perfect summer stroll. june
photo courtesy of winnetka children’s fair, chicago blues festival and chicago scots
editor’s pick
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SausageFest Chicago 15 June 15–16 | Sheffield and Addison Sts., Chicago | chicagoevents.com It’s the second year for this raucous meat fest, featuring some of the best links in the city—try one or try them all, just get ready to eat. june
Father’s Day at Arlington Park June 16 | 2200 Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights | arlingtonpark.com Father’s Day is for everyone at Arlington this June—complete with activities from Shedd Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and free pony rides that will have your kids testing their jockey skills. june
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Barrington Country Garden & Antique Faire June 21–22 | 800 Hart Rd., Barrington handsofhopeonline.org/faire.asp One of Barrington’s signature summer events and well worth the visit—grab a girlfriend and enjoy the French Market and Avant Garden, and get inspired with the latest in outdoor entertaining designs. june
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Long Grove Strawberry Fest 21 June 21–23 | Downtown Long Grove visitlonggrove.com Sweet, sweet strawberries—June is harvest time for one of nature’s best treats, and Long Grove celebrates the season with all things fruity. From chocolate covered to frozen drinks, you can have your strawberry just about any way you like. june
The Art Center’s Festival of Fine Craft June 22–23 | Highland Park amdurproductions.com Head to Highland Park this weekend, where more than 100 artisans will fill the streets with fantastic art—and with the city’s lineup of great restaurants and shopping, you’ll be kept busy. june
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Chicago Craft Beer Festival June 21–23 | 1633 N. Cleveland St., Chicago | chicagoevents.com Held at beautiful St. Michael in Old Town, this is THE place for lovers of the microbrew. Festivalgoers will enjoy great live entertainment and can taste special brews native to the Midwest, as well as national brands.
photos courtesy of chicago events
june
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e v e n ts l ist i ng
june highlights B y K e l ly K o n r a d
World Environment Day June 1 Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org Woofstock June 2 Pooch Park | 3220 Oakton St., Skokie skokieparks.org Dave Specter’s Adventures in Guitar with Donald Kinsey June 5 SPACE | 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston evanstonspace.com
week of june 8–15 Promenade of Art June 8–9 Downtown Arlington Heights amdurprodcutions.com Sex and the Suburbs: Sizzling Couples June 13 Wilmette Theatre | 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette | wilmettetheatre.com
Animals Inside Out Museum of Science and Industry | 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | msichicago.org Fashion and the Field Museum: Maria Pinto Field Museum | 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | fieldmuseum.org Shedd Aquarium: Jellies 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago sheddaquarium.org Welcome to the Universe Adler Planetarium | 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | adlerplanetarium.org
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Dinosaurs Alive Brookfield Zoo | 1st Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield | brookfieldzoo.org
Dearborn Observatory Stargazing June 14 2131 Tech Dr., Evanston planitpurple.northwestern.edu
Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence Field Museum | 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago | fieldmuseum.org
week of june 16–22
week of june 1–7
Malott Japanese Garden Family Sundays June 16 Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org
Play, Pretend and Dream: Caldecott Medal and Honor Books, 2010 – 2013 Opens June 1 The Art Institute of Chicago | 11 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | artic.edu
Golden Dragon Acrobats from China June 17 Ravinia Festival | Highland Park amdurproductions.com
Photo courtesy of the field museum
ongoing
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I Can Laugh About It Now June 21 Metropolis Performing Arts Centre 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights metropolisarts.com
week of june 23–30 Darius Rucker June 28 Ravinia Festival | Highland Park | ravinia.org Family Beach Campout June 28–29 Glencoe Beach, Glencoe glencoeparkdistrict.com Gold Coast Art Fair at Grant Park June 29–30 Grant Park, Chicago | amdurproductions.com Evanston Garden Walk June 30 Various locations | evanstonenvironment.org
sponsored listings
North Shore Youth Football Now Open for Registration Saturday, May 25 Registration: bit.ly/nsyfootball | General: nsyfootball.org | 773-550-2729 the north shore Youth Football Club offers the premier competitive football experience for youth athletes on the north shore. We are in our 9th season of competition, hosting visitors at new trier and loyola High school fields.
Music Institute of Chicago Summer Session Wednesday, June 12 Evanston, Winnetka, Lake Forest | 847905-1500 | musicinst.org/summer this summer, join the Music institute of Chicago for lessons, classes, summer camps, festivals, performances and more!
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M A K E A DI FFE R E NCE COLUM N
be silly, be imperfect, raise great kids BY SUSAN B . NOYE S HOW MUCH OF YOUR family narrative centers on the silly—the mistakes, imperfections and ability to rise above hard times? According to a growing body of research, the answer to that question is likely to contribute to your children’s resilience and success as adults. More experts than ever believe that silliness, recognition of imperfection and unconditional love are far more important to developing a healthy adult psyche than accomplishments. This is great news! I’ve been a most imperfect mother. And our family’s failures are discussed and giggled about at the dinner table as much as the successes. My favorite Noyes’ family tradition is our birthday dinner roasts—we tell embarrasing stories about the celebrant. According to Dr. Marshall Duke, an Emory University psychologist specializing in family relationships, there are three types of family narratives: • Ascending (Our forebears came to this country with nothing and every generation has been more successful than the last.) • Descending (Back in the day we had it all, but we lost it and have no hope of recovery.) • Oscillating (We stick together through good times and bad, but we stayed strong as a family and recovered.) The oscillating family narratives are the healthiest. They embed the psychology of resilience and unconditional love in children. Recently, New York Times columnist and family life expert Bruce Feiler stated, “The bottom line: if you want a happier family, create, refine and retell the story of your family’s positive moments
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and your ability to bounce back from the difficult ones. That act alone may increase the odds that your family will thrive for many generations to come.” Duke takes this concept even further, and recommends silly family traditions. In that spirit, my family tells embarrassing stories about the celebrant at our birthday dinners. We are sure to be reminded of the dumbest thing we did that year—with great affection. Renowned Harvard University psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner says, “Two of the most common traits of highly successful adults are good sibling relationships and growing up in a home with regular family dinners.” Siblings who laugh, dine and grow up in homes where they receive unconditional love are the most likely to grow up to become adults who thrive. Please share your silliest family traditions with us. They might inspire others to have more fun with their kids, too! Email susan@makeitbetter.net
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June is the time of year when most of us think about the important men in our lives—thanks to Father’s Day and the arrival of the outdoor grilling season. In honor of this, we found fabulous fellows worthy of celebration by our entire community. These smart-with-heart men leverage their talents to make a difference both here and across the country. We are pleased to introduce you to these men we love.
major general john Borling
One of the most decorated fighter pilots and military leaders in our nation’s history—also a Vietnam prisoner of war and a published poet.
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Ben harper
Scott turow
ron levin & Ben Kovler
Burgwell howard
A two-time Grammy Award winner dedicated to inspiring change, especially through his work to combat poverty.
A best-selling author and ciil rights advocate who combines his passion for writing with his law knowledge to create brilliant thrillers.
Invest For Kids cofounders raise money and amplify most effective nonprofits for children in Chicago simply by doing what they do best—their jobs.
northwestern university’s Dean of Student engagement and an avid, committed community volunteer.
john borling Photo by john reilly,ben harPer Photo © mark battrell, all others by britt anderson
b y j u l i e c h e r n o f f, s u s a n b . n o y e s & l i n d s ay r o s e m a n
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be t t e r you | sex and the suburbs
majorgeneral
Photo by john reilly
johnborling Major General john borlinG, uSaF Ret., of Rockford, admits to more failure than most highly accomplished men. And that makes him all the more inspiring … and endearing. His response to those failures, embodied in his motto “to quit is to die,” has led Borling to an extraordinary life. His accomplishments include surviving 6 ½ years of extreme deprivation as a P.O.W. in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” becoming one of the most decorated fighter pilots in our nation’s history, creating and leading a northern Europe NATO post, and, most recently, publishing an acclaimed book of poetry. Talk about the power of a positive attitude! Borling’s drive, determination and leadership are impressive, but he combines those traits with a poet’s heart, and that makes him truly special in our eyes. Despite being shot down, badly wounded, stripped naked and imprisoned, Borling spent his confinement trying to lift the spirits of the other prisoners by doing the forbidden—communicating with them. Each night, he tapped his poetry, in secret code, on the walls. Many of those poems are included in “Taps On The Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton,” (Master Wings Publishing, 2013). The book was published earlier this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hanoi Hilton prisoners’ release. Borling’s hope is that “the messages of personal, community, state and nation renewal will continue to resonate.” Borling’s description of a life overcoming personal failures also inspires belief in renewal. He failed to get into the Naval, Army or Air Force academies when he graduated from high school, but persevered, attending college at Navy Pier until the Air Force Academy finally admitted him. Borling came perilously close to “washing out” of flight school—he just couldn’t solo. But he overcame those fears, too, and graduated at the top of his class. “I wanted to be a Thunderbird and an astronaut; time in prison put both out of reach,” he explains. “But this did not deter my ability to get back and compete with peers.” Borling went on to earn more medals than any of those peers and lead commands around the world. Service and flying are great loves. But Borling’s wife of 33 years, Myrna, is his greatest love of all. She is also his muse—Borling started writing poetry for Myrna. As you can infer from reading “Taps On The Wall,” Myrna has inspired his determination not to quit—poetry or life—ever since.
—SBN To watch video of Borling reciting one of his poems, download our iPad app through the app store or at makeitbetter.net/ipad
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Not EvEN a towEriNg april storm front could stop two-time Grammy winner Ben Harper from coming to town. As a board member and long-time supporter of LIFT, a nonprofit organization that helps community members achieve economic stability, Harper was going to do whatever it took to make their annual benefit concert in Lincoln Park. Fresh off a performance at the White House, he caught a flight to Milwaukee with his mom, band and crew members, and road tripped to Chicago. Harper first joined forces with LIFT 10 years ago, when he had been looking to start up a similar organization himself. “Then I met Kirsten (Lodal, CEO and Co-Founder of LIFT), and it was all over,” he says. “We just knew immediately that there was work to do in an interconnected way between us, and I signed right on.” LIFT provides comprehensive services to help bring low-income individuals and families out of poverty. Through résumé workshops, mock interviews, and one-on-one sessions with college volunteers, LIFT arms people with the tools they need to secure housing and land jobs. Between world tours and recording sessions, Harper has made his work with LIFT a priority. He’s offered his support through fundraising concerts and visits to local chapters, and by raising awareness of the organization to people in positions of power. Coming from a family in need, Harper has a personal connection to the cause and insists that giving back should be a requirement for everyone. “Not that you can teach philanthropy or teach giving, but you can certainly teach the principles of generosity.” Harper’s passion for helping others often works its way into his music, seeing as he draws inspiration from social justice. “A song like ‘With My Own Two Hands’ feels so different playing it tonight than in front of a paying crowd,” he says. “Not only am I singing it, but I’m doing it, and that’s what it was written for. I get chills talking about it.” Music has always been central to Harper’s life. Growing up with his mother, also a musician, and spending time at his grandparents’ music store, Folk Music Center Store & Museum in California, he knew he’d found his calling early on. Eleven studio albums later, his music has resonated with millions of people around the world. But he counts his work with LIFT as one of his biggest accomplishments. “You can give for your appreciation, you can give because you have to, you can give because you know it’s the right thing to do, whatever reason I don’t care,” he says. “Just do it; step up. Find a way to give back in any way you can.”
—LR For more information on LIFT, see our Founder Susan Noyes’ article “LIFTing Struggling Families, Student Volunteers and Perhaps Eventually Society” at makeitbetter.net/make-a-difference
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benharper
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Scottturow
Photo by britt anderson
To describe evansTon’s scoTT Turow as
a bestselling author would be a vast understatement. He has been a fearless advocate for civil rights since he was a teen, a prosecuting or defense litigator for decades, and a multi-term leader of a national organization helping authors and independent book stores. Most recently, he was inducted into the New Trier High School Hall of Honor. Currently, Turow’s most important roles are those of proud father to Rachel, Gabe and Eve; doting grandpa to Rachel’s son, Jonah; and President of the Writer’s Guild, the largest society of book authors in America. He recently returned from a visit to our nation’s capital, where he found time to visit with Jonah while lobbying Congress on behalf of the Guild, fighting for authors in a battle over domain name rights with web giants Amazon and Google. “No one will ever hold a tag sale for me or other best-selling authors; we will survive,” Turow says. “The Guild is fighting for newer or less successful authors and the independent bookstores that promote them. We’re also working to stop online book piracy and to get e-book royalties on par with those paid on physical books.” He has long championed fairness and inclusion. While a student at New Trier, Turow served as youth head of the Evanston Urban League and sat on the NAACP’s Junior Board. “I’ve always believed in the capacity of America to change,” he says. “In high
school, I marched in Evanston to protest that black people couldn’t rent an apartment there. Now we have a black President.” He’s a strong believer in the power of education, too. His path took him to Amherst College as an undergrad, then to Stanford’s creative writing program. He famously attended Harvard Law School, and became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in high-profile corruption cases before publishing “Presumed Innocent,” the first of his blockbuster legal thrillers, in 1987. He tells young adults to “use your education to figure out what you believe in and try to live your life by those lights … I blundered around in my 20s. Five years at Stanford trying to be a writer, then law school, which was not an accepted move [at the time]. But it was right for me.” Turow was able to combine his writing skills with his law knowledge to create highly engrossing novels. And he’s still writing. His next novel will be released in October. “Chicagoans will recognize echoes of the Valerie Percy murder; it also draws on the Castor and Pollux myths. It’s about identical twins in Kindle County, one running for mayor at the same time the other is being released from serving 25 years in prison for murder,” he says. Sounds like the perfect fall book, but maybe not bedtime reading for his beloved grandson ... at least for a few more years!
—SBN makeitbetter.net
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the name of the game,” says 34-year-old philanthropist Ben Kovler as he describes Invest For Kids (IFK), Chicago’s Investable Ideas Conference. Kovler founded IFK with Ron Levin five years ago. Creating and measuring IFK’s impact—social, financial and professional—is a labor of love for both men. Kovler, who lives in Lakeview with wife Amy and two young children, is a University of Chicago Booth School of Business graduate. He is an investment manager for both the Kovler family businesses and their private foundation. Kovler speaks almost as passionately about IFK as he does about his own family. Levin, 54, who resides in Highland Park with his wife Fifi and two daughters, is a Harvard Business School graduate and Managing Director of Goldman Sachs. The IFK concept is simple and smart, like most successful venture philanthropy. Leading money managers, including some who otherwise do not share their insights publicly, give their best advice to an eager audience at the annual conference. Because Kovlar and Levin underwrite the conference expenses, 100 percent of the ticket proceeds (at $1,000 a pop) and sponsorship donations are given to thoughtfully selected charities benefiting under-resourced children in Chicago. Kovler and Levin choose small to mid-sized nonprofits with strong leaders, active boards and data demonstrating
“CREATING AND MEASURING IMPACT IS
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effective use of donations. They intend for these six-figure gifts—usually between $100,000 and $200,000—to substantially accelerate each nonprofit’s growth. To date, IFK has awarded these impact grants to 26 charities. In honor of the Conference’s 5th Anniversary this October, Kovler and Levin anticipate substantially growing that number this year. IFK also measures the impact of its investment advice content. “Our speakers are best in class,” Levin says. “In aggregate, the investment ideas presented at the last four conferences have dramatically outperformed the broad market indices.” This means that money invested in equities recommended by IFK speakers over the last four years would have grown substantially more than the same amount invested in more generic portfolios. The social impact of IFK should not be underestimated. “This has become a do-not-miss conference for the Chicago investment community,” Kovler says with a smile. “People come looking for the content and camaraderie. They leave feeling great about what they supported.”
—SBN Learn more about IFK at investforkidschicago.org
PHOTO BY BRITT ANDERSON
RONLEVIN&BENKOVLER
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PHOTO BY BRITT ANDERSON
BURGWELL HOWARD BURGWELL HOWARD, OR BURGIE, as he is better known, has a lot of kids—about 8,000 of them. But that’s what happens when you’re in charge of student engagement at Northwestern University. That, and you wear an awful lot of purple. Howard and his wife Jennifer Richeson, NU Psychology Professor and holder of the MacArthurendowed chair in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, have lived in Evanston since 2005. They met in Hanover, NH when he was visiting college friends. Richeson was an assistant professor at Dartmouth, and he was assistant Dean of Students at Bowdoin. So they know about long-distance relationships. Moving here, Howard laughs, was “a chance for us to be in the same ZIP code, working at the same school for once.” Now, happily ensconced in a lovely home with their frisky yellow Lab, Achilles, Howard shares his philosophy about being an integral part of the community you live in. “NU is all consuming, but a big part of my job is getting students to engage in their community as best they can. It’s easy for university folks to simply pay rent in a community, particularly if you don’t have kids in the school system. It’s easy to be in your disconnected little world. But it’s harder to hide in a small community. Taking part in it is important.” Howard follows his own advice. He serves actively on the board of the Evanston Community Foundation, and in his spare time, he volunteer-referees youth lacrosse games throughout the North Shore. You might catch him at Evanston Township, New Trier, Lake Forest or Loyola high school lacrosse games, running down the field with the action. For the students of NU, learning happens in the classroom, but also outside of it. “NU students have a strong sense of social justice, which plays well in this community. They are active in social services, donating their time, doing internships. They have an economic impact. They need to participate, and we encourage it.” So you can see why we love Burgie. He helps his students and his community by bringing them together, creating opportunities for both to succeed and prosper. He might bleed green—he is a Dartmouth graduate, after all—but now, Burgie Howard is truly devoted to the color purple.
—JC makeitbetter.net
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fa m i ly
teens&prescription drug abuse A growing problem By L Aur A Hine
you might worry about your teenager drinking alcohol or smoking pot, but statistics show, you also need to worry about the misuse of prescription drugs. In the University of Michigan’s 2011 longitudinal study, “Monitoring the Future,” they found 15 percent of teens misused prescription drugs, with Vicodin and Adderall the two most commonly abused.
Easy accEss to mEds
Dawn Smith found out the hard way that not only is Vicodin attractive to teens, it’s easy for them to get. Her 16-year-old son refilled his father’s prescription for Vicodin simply by using the prescription number and calling in a refill. He picked it up without any questions from the pharmacist. Mike Patton, Executive Director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association, notes that under current law, Vicodin, which is made from hydrocodone, is a Class III drug, and is subject to far fewer restrictions than a Class II prescription, like Oxycodone or Ritalin. An ID check is not required, and there are no age restrictions. This classification may be changing soon, as an FDA panel on drug safety voted in January to reclassify hydrocodone drugs as Class II. However, the FDA has not made a final decision, so the drug is still widely available. According to Smith, it’s so easy to refill a prescription that kids are using their cell phones to take photos of prescription drug labels while at friends’ houses. No pills are taken, so parents don’t suspect anything, and then the teen uses the prescription number to call in a refill. dangErous for tEEn brains
“It’s probably the most abused of the CIIIs,” says Sanford Foreman, pharmacy manager at NorthShore University HealthSystem, talking about Vicodin. He explains that if you’re not in pain, but you
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take a drug like Vicodin, then the drug works on the brain instead of the pain and you feel high. And for an adolescent brain that’s still developing, that is big trouble, says Dr. Laura Parise, who is an expert in addiction psychiatry. “Drugs change the way your brain functions. It makes it harder to feel good without them,” she says. And she notes that drug use often runs in families for two reasons. First, if it’s in the house, then it’s accessible. Second, there’s a strong genetic component to addiction. PrEvEnting PrEscriPtion drug abusE
So what’s a parent to do? All the experts interviewed for this article agree that prescription drug abuse flies under the radar for many parents. There are no bloodshot eyes, no water bottles filled with vodka and many teens are moody one minute and euphoric the next without any substance use. The first step? Look at your own prescription drug use. According to the Partnership at Drugfree. org, 28 percent of parents have taken a prescription drug that wasn’t prescribed for them. This sends a message to kids that it’s fine to use prescription drugs for reasons other than the original condition. Next, keep your drugs locked and out of sight. Parents should be as vigilant about their prescriptions as they are about alcohol if they have teens around. Finally, don’t feel like it’s dorky to ask your kids about what they know. It’s not an easy topic to bring up, but you can be sure your teen won’t raise the subject, so it’s up to you. Smith’s son entered an inpatient program and she didn’t see him for six months. When she talks about missing her son, you can hear the sadness. “I could hide this and pretend it didn’t happen,” Smith says. “But I feel a moral obligation to get this [issue] out there and not wait for someone to die.”
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fa m i ly
tips to make the most of college visits College visit season is picking up, and families are venturing to college campuses across the country to decide which school will be “the one.” Sounds romantic, right? It’s not as glamorous as it seems—especially when you’re on school number five, and it’s starting to rain. We asked students and parents for their best tips to make college visits worth your while. If you do a visit right, there’s much more to be gained than frequent flyer miles and a stack of admissions brochures.
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by Jody b u ck
1. Take NoTes & PicTures
If you and your child are visiting several schools, it can be easy to forget what he or she liked and didn’t like, and which school had the small dorm rooms or particularly tasty food. Encourage your child to take notes on these types of observations and their overall feelings about the school. And while you’re on the tour, take pictures to help jog your student’s memory when it’s decision time.
2. ask for sTories
Tour guides can dish out tons of facts, but if they can’t share a story with you about how they used the college’s writing center or how the career center supported them in finding an internship, chances are these things don’t actually happen. Anecdotes also help students visualize themselves at the school in a way that statistics don’t.
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3. Look for ConstruCtion
This one might seem counterintuitive, as building construction is often an eyesore, but new facilities means that the school is flourishing and investing in its students.
4. Eat in thE Dining haLL
The cafeteria is a great chance to observe the student body. Do the students seem friendly and welcoming? Are they chatting happily with their friends or complaining about their classes? The dining hall can offer candid insight into what the students are like and whether your child thinks he or she would fit in.
5. rEaD thE PaPEr
Pick up a copy of the student newspaper while you’re on the tour, and be sure to read through it on the way home. The paper can give you an inside look at the hot topics on campus, what events are going on and how much school spirit there is.
6. ExPLorE
After the tour, take some time to wander around campus and explore the buildings and facilities. A less formal view of campus can give your child a better idea of the campus vibe. This is also a chance to explore areas of the school that aren’t on the general tour.
7. hit thE town
Keep in mind that this could be your child’s home for the next four years, so it’s important to see what the surrounding area is like, and if your student could see themself not just at the school, but in the town as well.
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• Find the right fit. Some students prefer working alone with an off-the-shelf book; some learn better in a classroom environment; and others learn best through one-on-one instruction. One size does not fit all. • Insist on quality teaching. Be sure that your testprep solution offers a strong curriculum taught by experts. A few notes on a loose-leaf sheet of paper will not do. • Maximize the learning. When a student struggles in reading, math or grammar on a standardized test, they may also struggle with that subject in school. A good test-prep solution goes beyond test-taking strategy to cultivate academic skills necessary for success both on the test and in the classroom.
getting the most out of test prep B Y M AT T H E W P I E T R A F E T TA , P H D SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD THROUGH THE standardized testing process can raise some age-old anxieties. Am I starting too early and overwhelming her? Am I starting too late and neglecting him? What is Mrs. So-and-So doing for her child and Mr. Such-andSuch for his? Although these feelings intensify as SAT and ACT testing approach, they are by no means new. From potty training to summer camps to course selection, it’s always been the same concern: Am I doing the best thing for my child? With summer at hand, parents of sophomores and juniors are asking, “What is the best thing for my child when it comes to test preparation?”
HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES TO PLAN FOR THE SUMMER:
• Identify your child’s needs. First determine what your child needs. Is it her reading? Is it that gap in his geometry skills? A good test-prep solution helps you answer these questions with in-depth diagnostic test analysis.
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OH, AND ONE MORE, PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT—
• Make the process educational. As a family, you can learn meaningful lessons through good test preparation, gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s educational needs. What does he like or dislike? Where does she struggle or excel? And what does this child need to succeed during the years of education that lie ahead? With the best approach, you can do the best thing for your child—and even enjoy the process!
Matthew Pietrafetta, PhD Matthew Pietrafetta is the Founder of Academic Approach, a test preparation company with offices in Chicago and on the North Shore. Matthew founded Academic Approach in 2001 to introduce a highly customized model of test preparation with a strong emphasis on high student achievement and meaningful academic enrichment. Matthew holds MA, MPhil, and PhD degrees in English from Columbia University in NewYork City. Contact matthew@academicapproach.com or visit academicapproach.com
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n Child Protecting Your Grow ergency During a Medical Em LER BY LISA ZIMB
alls the eri Warsh still vividly rec ’s colHighland Park mom Sh son r he m fro ed eiv l she rec frantic 5 a.m. phone cal 2011. er tob Oc in ate mm roo e leg chigan, at the University of Mi Joey, 18 and a freshman a hospital are an to ce lan by ambu was being transported . with severe chest pains sn’t able to , in a lot of pain and wa “My son was petrified s. “It was an say h ars W happening,” relay to me what was absolute nightmare.” next was dy was, what happened through As scary as that alrea t go lly na fi h When Wars the biggest shock of all. d her that the hospital could y tol to nurses in the ER, the the treatation about her son or not release any inform . ments he was receiving t do you , they said, ‘I’m sorry, bu “When I called the ER s. ey?’” Warsh say have a power of attorn orney rself is a practicing att Even though Warsh he and her she , ing nn pla ily estate who specializes in fam power of al dic they needed a me husband didn’t realize attorney for their son. CONTINUE READING
ER AT MAKEITBETT
.NET/FAMILY
WANT MORE GREAT FAMILY CONTENT? FIND THESE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE: MAKEITBETTER.NET/FAMILY
Girls and Science: Toys Encourage Future Careers Managing Your Parents’ Health & Happiness Long Distance Should You Find Out Your Child’s Myers-Briggs Type?
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SPONSOR E D CON T E N T
do you know the warning signs of alzheimer’s?
It’s not always about memory loss B Y T H E A L Z H E I M E R ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not a normal part of aging. “MOST PEOPLE ASSUME THAT THE
first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss,” says Melanie Chavin, MS, Vice President, Program Services, Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. “While issues with recent memory can be an early sign, other signs may come first, such as challenges in problem-solving or difficulty completing familiar tasks. The person’s memory may appear to be fine, but they may get lost when driving or walking to a familiar location. “People with younger-onset dementia (dementia diagnosed before the age of 65) often notice changes at work, such as missing appointments, being unable to complete reports correctly, or finding it difficult to use computers or technology,” Chavin explained. “Their main concern may be difficulty in organizing their thoughts.” According to the Association, detecting the disease and receiving a
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diagnosis gives affected people more time to plan their remaining years and the greatest opportunity to benefit from available treatments. EARLY DETECTION MATTERS
The Association offers the following 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s: • Memory changes that disrupt daily life • Challenges in planning or solving problems • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Confusion with time or place • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships • New problems with words in speaking or writing • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace his or her steps • Poor judgment • Withdrawal from work or social activities • Change in mood and personality
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. CHICAGO-AREA WALKS:
North Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s Gallery Park, Glenview, Saturday, Sept. 21 Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s Montrose Harbor, Sunday, Sept. 29 Lake County Walk to End Alzheimer’s Independence Grove in Libertyville, Saturday, Oct. 5 By participating in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, you will help the Alzheimer’s Association continue to deliver important education programs, such as “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters,” and provide services to those affected by dementia throughout your community. Learn more at alz.org/walk.
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FA M I LY | travel
a real road trip by
DREAMING ABOUT A TRIP TO Europe? The road to a
ANDREA GUTHMANN
budget-friendly, fun-filled European vacation might be the European auto delivery program. A handful of luxury auto makers— BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Audi and Porsche— offer a special program where you can pick up your car at its factory in Europe, then drive it for up to two weeks with your insurance covered. Think of it as the ultimate road trip. I don’t want to steer anyone wrong. There are bumps in the road with European auto delivery for the average consumer. However, if you’ve been fantasizing about traveling to Europe, picking up your car there might give you a good excuse to start mapping out your European vacation.
negotiating, which some customers really appreciate. You also get to drive the car for two weeks through Europe with the insurance covered. So, you can take a driving trip through Europe without having to rent a car. Then drop off the car at any of 18 different drop-off locations throughout Europe, free of charge. The only country where you’ll have to pay a drop-off fee is Italy.” Ilic considers picking up the car at the BMW factory and museum in Munich to be one of the perks. “They give you the red carpet treatment, putting your name up in lights, then walking you down this grand staircase to see your car up on this rotating turnstile. Then you get to drive your new car on the Autobahn and have the European adventure of your dreams.”
European auto delivery isn’t that tough to navigate. First stop: your local dealer, who will coordinate the entire purchase for you. Alexander Ilic handles many of the European auto delivery sales, around 20-30 cars per year on average, for Fields BMW in Northfield. “It’s definitely the lowest price you’ll be able to get on a BMW,” Ilic says. “You save about 7% off the base price, and it’s a set price, so there’s no
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CAUTION, DRIVERS
Sounds wunderbar, huh? Not so fast. European auto delivery also comes with a few inconveniences. “This is not for everybody,” Ilic says. “If you’re trading in a car, you need to turn in that car when you close on the purchase, a few weeks before traveling, and the new BMW doesn’t come back from Europe with you. It takes up to two months for the car to be shipped
PHOTOS COUTESY OF MERCEDES
S TA R T YO U R E N G I N E S
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back to your dealer in the U.S. Meanwhile, you need to pay for the car up front and make a couple monthly car payments before receiving the car in the U.S.” If European auto delivery still sounds like a good option, each of the luxury automakers has its own restrictions and incentives. The Swedes offer the sweetest deal—two round-trip tickets to Scandinavia, airport pick-up and a free night at a first class hotel in Gothenburg, if you buy a Volvo. H a p p y t r av e l s
Ira Gordon participated in the overseas delivery program through Fields Volvo. “It was fantastic!” she says “We drove the car in Europe for five weeks without any problems. We just had to pay the cost of extending the two weeks of car insurance. We visited Sweden, Poland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Denmark. Volvo picked us up at the airport in Gothenburg, arranged for our hotel, drove us to the factory for our delivery and returned us to the airport for our return trip to the U.S.” “Mercedes-Benz was the first luxury automaker to offer European auto delivery,” says Oleg Shmuy-
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lovskiy, senior sales representative at Autohaus on Edens. “Mercedes saw early on that the whole process encourages customer loyalty. Picking up your car at the factory center in Stuttgart, seeing how the car is made and then touring the magnificent Mercedes-Benz Museum is a very unique and memorable experience. Mercedes also provides you with taxi vouchers to and from the delivery center, an overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Stuttgart, and assistance in planning your travel itinerary through Germany’s Black Forest and the Austrian Alps, even setting up your hotel reservations.” Is European auto delivery for you? You’re in the driver’s seat—contact your local car dealer for all the details. Maybe you’ll decide to say au revoir to your old car and bonjour to the European vacation of your dreams.
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Photo <credit>
bet t e r you | sex and the suburbs
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BE T T E R YOU | sex and the suburbs
A Winnetka man’s one-time bachelor pad includes many family-friendly features. S T O R Y & P H O T O S B Y TAT E G U N N E R S O N
Although happily married today, the owner of this Cedar Shake home on the lakefront in Winnetka was a divorced father of three grown children when he began construction on the house six years ago. “Building the house was a special project and a way to keep busy,” explains the owner, a retired company executive who serves on several boards of directors.
PHOTO <CREDIT>
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The properTy includes many feaTures
that are likely to appeal to men of all stripes, including a basement recreation room, with a 1,100-bottle wine cellar as well as video and pinball games. Not to mention a cozy den in the third story turret, which overlooks Lake Michigan. “In the winter, the ice is along the shoreline, and it’s really pretty,” the owner says. “I go up there to read, and reading often becomes a nap.” Also on the property is a newly renovated 900-square-foot boathouse with a garage, where he stores his motorized dock on wheels. When the owner remarried three years ago, his new wife completed furnishing the home and softened up the décor. In the basement rec room, she swapped out the basketballs autographed by Michael Jordan in favor of African baskets and other decorative accents.
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While the house remains “man-centric,”
the owner says that his new wife and their respective children find plenty to love as well. “The family room is always busy,” the owner explains, noting that the lake is the real draw. “Summers are fun, because we’ll take the boat out, turn off the engine and just drift in the lake.” Other times, they just enjoy sitting on the deck atop the boathouse where they watch the ever-changing colors of the lake and the sight of boats and steamer ships cruising by. “I come out here in the mornings to read The Wall Street Journal and have a cup of coffee. It’s really special.”
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HOM E
BY KRISTINA TOBER
The days of heavy-handed window treatments are over.
Go for timeless and tasteful window treatments Window treatments add warmth to a space and finish a room. But that doesn’t mean they have to steal the show. • Drapery and shades can be beautiful backdrops to the décor in your room. Follow design trends with more versatile elements in your room, like pillows and accessories.
• It’s easy to get tired of something that’s over-stylized, Rosengren says. Fashion is fleeting, but style is timeless. Classics like pinch pleat draperies and roman shades will always remain relevant, no matter your décor.
Decorate with clean lines and natural materials While the current trend leans toward simpler, more eco-friendly elements, it’s safe to say clean lines and natural materials have everlasting appeal. • For Leggy Bird Designs, natural woven shades are a standby, beautiful on their own or layered with drapery. They offer infinite versatility in texture and color. • Ornate hardware, with its glitzy finishes and large finials, tends to overwhelm a window and its view. Instead, opt for leaner, simpler wood, bamboo and metal rods.
PHOTO BY ROOM & BOARD
IT’S TIME TO LOSE THE hefty cornices, ornate hardware, overdone tassels and trim, and opt for window treatments that offer warmth and style, and still let the light shine in. So whether you revise or redo your window treatments, here are some decorating ideas from local interior design experts Victoria Lidstrom and Carol Carani of Leggy Bird Designs, and Steven Rosengren, retail market manager of Room & Board.
Simple pinch-pleat drapes add warm and style with privacy from roller shades, by Room & Board.
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1 2
3
Patterned fabrics can work Not every style or room needs neutral solids, and gorgeous, patterned fabrics will always be in style. The trick is to keep the design timeless. • Let the fabric speak for itself; limit the use of trims and decorative hardware to keep it light. • Carani and Lidstrom recommend using a geometric as it’s easily paired with other patterns and accents and can go traditional, modern or in between. • Make sure it’s a pattern you really love and not just a whim.
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Drapery is still a good decorating idea Drapery is probably the most versatile and mobile window treatment. • More than a few times, Leggy Bird has worked with clients to retrofit drapery used in a former house to a new setting, by adding a panel of fabric to the bottom third of the drapery, using decorative panels rather than functional drapes for a larger window, or raising the height of the rods. • Drapery continues to be the biggest seller in the Room & Board line, largely because of its ability to offer function and flair. Even more contemporary treatments like ripplefold drapery read as timeless and fit with any décor, particularly when fabricated of natural linens or silken sheers.
1 While contemporary in feel, ripple fold drapery adds timeless style to a transitional room, by Room & Board. 2 Patterned drapes don’t overwhelm a room grounded by rich wall color and natural woods, by Leggy Bird Designs. 3 Simple yet luxurious drapes layered with fabric shades create a rich, neutral backdrop to a richly textured bedroom, by Leggy Bird Designs.
Photo 1 by room & board, 2 & 3 by leggy bird designs
• Natural materials like linen and bamboo balance our need for privacy and the desire for more light in our northern climate. • Regardless of what you use,choose high-quality materials for functional window treatments to ensure that your investment lasts.
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In lieu of window treatments, Leggy Bird Designs uses a garden wall to ensure privacy while highlighting the strong architecture of the windows
Consider the “no treatment” window option Why not let the architecture of your windows make a style statement, suggest the gals at Leggy Bird. Whether your goal is to let the most light in or preserve the view, think about ways to create privacy from the outside in, whether using landscaping or a garden wall.
Photo by leggy bird designs
Preserve your investment Regardless of style, custom window treatments are an investment. Rather than ditch treatments that may be over-stylized or dated, consider working with a professional to brainstorm ways to repurpose or reuse what you’ve already got. Lidstrom and Carani offer a few suggestions: • Remove heavy swags, jabots and valances, but keep the drapery panels. • Swap out ornate drapery hardware (rods, finials) for simpler, cleaner designs. • Remove decorative trim or tassels. • Paint the walls in your room.
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bet t e r you | fashion
guygarb B y E va N g E L i N E p o L i t i S
|
p h o t o S B y N at h a N i E L p E R R y
refined&Handsome Peter Millar blazer, $295, Neiman Marcus Spread collar, large check linen shirt, $165, J. McLaughlin Chinos, $60, Banana Republic John Varvatos slip-ons, $198, Neiman Marcus Salvatore Ferragamo messenger bag, $1500, Neiman Marcus
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Soft-wash twill shirt, $60, Banana Republic Tom Ford polka dot tie, $235, Neiman Marcus Theory five-pocket pants, $215, Neiman Marcus Lacoste driving shoe, $150, Nordstrom Victorinox Swiss Army Night Vision watch, $695, Smart Jewelers Warner Sunglasses in gunmetal, $369, i2i Eyecare
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This summer is all about color for men. From a bright blazer to a bold pair of shorts, invigorate his wardrobe with some shots of color.
COMFORTABLE&RELAXED Loro Piana chambray shirt, $595, Neiman Marcus Peter Millar shorts, $85, Neiman Marcus Braided leather belt, $85, J. McLaughlin Sperryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canvas top sider, $80, Neiman Marcus Ebel X1 watch, $3400, Smart Jewelers Vinson Sunglasses in matte midnight blue, $409, i2i Eyecare
Cardigan, $90, Banana Republic Striped t-shirt, $30, Banana Republic Splendid Mills blue shorts, $90, Neiman Marcus Converse Jack Purcell sneakers, $85, Neiman Marcus Sailcloth duffle, $225, J. McLaughlin
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more for your man Download our iPad edition for 8 more great looks for your guy. Download the free iPad app today ď ľ MAKEITBETTER.NET/IPAD
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SponSored LiStinGS
J. McLaughLin Sip and Shop
May 30, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. J. McLaughlin, 567A Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-784-1730 15 percent of all purchases during the event will be donated to St. Joan of Arc.
LourdeS chavez for faLL
June 6–8 The Lake Forest Shop, 265 East Market Sq., Lake Forest, thelakeforestshop.com Gorgeous evening wear from the Lourdes Chavez collection for fall—not to be missed.
MagaSchoni
June 14–15 Frances Heffernan, 810 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-446-2112, francesheffernan.com Find pure and simple cashmere—combining classic elegance with exquisite craftsmanship.
Lafayette 148
June 21–22 Frances Heffernan, 810 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-446-2112, francesheffernan.com Collections are designed for the modern woman and her multi-faceted lifestyle.
Sara gabrieL veiLing and headpieceS
June 26–27 Bella Bleu Bridal, 143 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, 847-696-7152, bellableubridal.com From flowing laces and elegant beading to vintage inspired headpieces, this collection is nothing short of breathtaking. Sip wine, nibble on sweets and enjoy 10 percent off all orders placed at the show.
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BET T E R YOU | beauty
look younger without plastic surgery BY JENNY MUSLIN THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH—WE’RE
EXFOLIANT
trying to find it, but many of us don’t want to go under the knife to get the results. Where should you start? Unfurrow that brow, there are many pathways to beautiful, youthful skin. Here are a few that meet a variety of needs and budgets.
Anti-Aging Products
A physical exfoliant buffs away dead skin cells and helps increase the skin’s natural renewal process, which leads you to brighter skin tone. A chemical exfoliant uses alpha hydroxy acids to improve complexion and produce collagen and elastin. If you use any type of topical prescription or Retin A, make sure you consult with your dermatologist before trying an exfoliant.
MAKEUP
SPF
Invest in an effective concealer and highlighter. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Èclat concealer works wonders on lids and under eyes to instantly lift and luminize. Choose liquid and cream foundations, which are less drying than powders.
According to Dr. Matthew Harris of the Illinois Dermatology Institute, “Both men and women should get in the habit of using a daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.” Make sure to reapply every 2-3 hours during warmer months.
ALL
“There is significant data that shows retinol creams can smooth and regenerate skin without a lot of down time or irritation,” Dr. Harris says. “Many over-the-counter versions are quite good and can be less irritating than stronger, prescription-version retinoids.” He recommends starting with a mild overthe-counter retinol, such as Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair line. You can start using products with a light retinol as early as age 30.
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PHOTO <CREDIT>
RETINOL
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Doctor-Required, Anti-Aging Treatments Botox and Fillers
“Botox treats and prevents dynamic lines like crows feet, frown lines and forehead lines,” Dr. Harris says. “Fillers go under the skin to fill in wrinkle lines and can also add lots of volume, which you lose with bone density and collagen loss, by filling in the cheekbones, temple area, jaw line, etc.” Peels and lasers
He also recommends chemical peels, which improve skin tone and texture when used as a superficial peel. They can also diminish fine lines and mild scarring when used as a moderate-to-deep peel. Lasers improve redness, spider veins, brown spots and reduce scarring. New devices use radiofrequency and ultrasound to tighten the skin and give a mini face lift without the surgery.
Spa Services for a Younger Look Vitamin C
This antioxidant slows the rate of free-radical damage and helps keep skin supple. Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa exclusively offers the Cellular Age Reversal Therapy Facial. The treatment employs an anti-aging serum that contains a high concentration of vitamin C. They claim the serum protects skin from environmental damage, increases skin elasticity, firmness and tone, and reduces wrinkles and pigmentation spots. The facial is best for those over 30 and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Photo <credit>
PePtides and stem Cells
The Perfect Lift Facial at the Elysian Spa at Waldorf Astoria Chicago uses peptides and stem cells along with microcurrents to combat premature aging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
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BET T E R YOU | fitness
get your to the
guy doctor BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN
your husband had a complete physical? Is he current with vaccinations? Has he had a whole-body skin check? What about that nagging pain in his low back? Does he know his blood cholesterol numbers? Women are accustomed to regular doctor visits. Childbirth, gynecological exams and mammograms make going to the doctor part of our routine. Men, unless something seems terribly wrong, rarely seek out the guidance of a physician. It’s our job to convince them to get regular screenings and take action when good health is at risk.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME
EXECUTIVE PHYSICALS
We spoke with Dr. Lorrie Elliott at Northwestern’s Executive Health about which clients come in for executive physicals. Dr. Elliott explained that often, male patients haven’t seen a doctor in more than five years. Some of these men are the “unconcerned sick” with high cholesterol and excess body weight, or who suffer from other side effects of their high stress jobs. Dr. Elliott suggests men age 50 and older consider these health screens/exams: • Expanded blood • Prostate cancer and urine tests screening (psa) • Cholesterol • Whole-body skin • Blood pressure exam • Blood sugar • Eye exam • Body composition • Hearing test • Colonoscopy • Vaccination review The executive physical at NU takes a holistic, comprehensive view of a person’s health. Dr. Elliott says the goal is to get clients to achieve and maintain
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optimal health. These daylong physicals allow physicians to delve more deeply into each client’s health profile to address acute issues, like knee pain or skin abnormalities, and critical exams, like the cardiac stress test and complete blood analysis. These physicals permit exploration into wellness issues including fitness, nutrition, sleep and stress management that are so important in the broader perspective of health. This type of physical is sometimes partially covered by insurance or as a part of a benefit package. For the very busy executive, this daylong, total physical may be the best way to get one-stop shopping for all critical healthcare services. Another option, rather than dedicating a whole day to testing, is to make a regular old appointment with his primary physician, so they both can go over which specific tests he might need. Dr. William Rhoades, of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, recommends this approach to avoid unnecessary testing. The bottom line is that men need to be proactive with their own health and medical care. Waiting for something to happen is not the road to a long, healthy life. Routine screenings, visits to specialists for eye exams, and consultations with a dietician are examples of critical healthcare services that your guy should use. Help him help himself. Have him reserve one hour a month to commit to his own health. Encourage a visit to his primary care physician for routine screenings. Suggest a visit to a specialist for an orthopedic issue and get an eye exam on the calendar. Regular, routine visits will make him feel better, accountable for his own health, and may alert him to trouble ahead. Get him to the doctor today, and contemplate your long, bright future with many tomorrows.
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bet t e r you | finances
By Meghan Streit
Adri Miller-HeckMAn is A forMer
financial advisor who now coaches other advisors about how to get—and keep—female clients. She recently penned the book entitled “The Keys to the Ladies Room.” We caught up with Miller-Heckman and picked her brain on the differences between how men and women manage finances. What money management lesson would women be well served to learn from men? Risk is not a four-letter word. Women’s lack of financial understanding often causes them to play it too safe. Without a growth component, which often requires calculated risk, you increase the chance of falling short of your investment goals and/or potentially running out of money—a serious concern for single women. Where do women excel when it comes to money management? All that glitters is not gold. Just because everyone is talking about an
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investment does not mean it will continue to perform. Men have a greater tendency to get caught up in the hype or decisions promoted by their peers, while women tend to stay more focused on personal long-term goals and objectives. Every investment decision should be driven by your pre-determined philosophy and financial plan rather than the latest hot stock or mutual fund. Women, hold your ground here. How can couples leverage strengths that tend to come naturally to each sex to put their household in the best possible financial position? Women need to step up and men have to back down. Women have a tendency to shy away from getting involved with the big money and investment decisions in the household. Women’s resistance to investing and financial issues has, in a large part, been fueled by the financial services industry, which was built by men to help male advisors attract male clients,
incorporating methods that are almost abrasive to women. What questions should women ask potential financial advisors to avoid hiring someone who takes a mostly male-centric approach? • Why do you care about me? Be sure the financial advisor can validate why he/she cares about women, what experience in his/ her life has motivated him/her to take the time and effort to focus on the needs of women. • How will you make my life easier? Learn how the advisor is committed to enhancing your knowledge and understanding about your financial life.
Miller-Heckman will be in Chicago Thursday, June 13 to lead a workshop for financial professionals who want to learn how to better serve women. For more information, visit adrimiller heckman.com/keys.
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BET T E R YOU | sex and the suburbs
talk
how to
to your man BY MAR JIE KILLEEN
Here’s a surprise—men are needier than women when it comes to intimacy. from other women— friends, mothers and daughters, for example. Men, however, crave intimacy and affirmation from their spouses, because according to a recent Chicago Tribune article, it’s the only place they get it. And after speaking to a North Shore men’s group recently on the topic of building intimacy, it was clear that men are often confused and frustrated by the way we women talk with them. Men rely primarily on their partner when it comes to expressing their feelings and seeking affection. Good news, right? The men in our lives want to connect with us! The bad news is that they find our style of relating difficult and distressing.
WOMEN OFTEN GET EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Here are a few things the men told me that morning. “I wish my wife would do me the courtesy of talking as directly to me as she does to the dog. She gets down to his level, looks him in the eye, and tells him clearly what she expects.” “I see my wife talking with her friends and she’s smiling and speaking with intensity, passion and humor. Why can’t she talk to me like that?” “Tell me what you really think, not what you think I want to hear. Don’t shut down if I don’t get it—tell me what you need.”
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“When she starts in the middle of the issue, I can’t track. I’m a linear thinker, please start at the beginning.”
To women, our circuitous, collaborative conversation style makes perfect sense, but to men, it feels disjointed and rambling. So on behalf of the guys, who I’m convinced really, really want to connect with us, I’ve developed these communication guidelines. Hopefully they’ll bring us all closer.
How to talk to your man • State your purpose. Do you just want to share a story or are you looking for his help? Men are solution driven, so telling your guy what you want will help him actively listen. • Start at the beginning and proceed sequentially. Men are logical thinkers and get frustrated when women bounce between subjects or go off on tangents. • Touch him. Men are less verbal than women and value affectionate physical contact. Hold his hand or touch his shoulder, and he’ll pay closer attention to you. • Don’t expect him to guess how you feel. He really doesn’t know, and would appreciate you telling him. • Focus on him. You can chat with your girlfriend while folding laundry or balancing your checkbook, but men operate by giving their full attention to one thing at a time and find other activity distracting.
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• Turn up the charm. According to “The Normal Bar,” (thenormalbar. com) a comprehensive relationship study of more than 70,000 people, criticism and bossiness undermine intimacy in a relationship. BUT GUYS, YOU’VE GOT TO DO YOUR PART AS WELL. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR YOU:
How to talk to your woman • Give her verbal and physical cues that you are listening. Nod, smile, look her in the eye, and make encouraging sounds (yep, mm-hmm, go on.) This confirms you’re interested, so she knows she has made her point and can move on. • Ask questions. If you’re confused, simply ask. Your questions show you care about what she’s saying. • Introduce something sensory to the conversation. Women often think about many things at once and can get a little stressed out. A walk, some music, a candle or bath – these things are soothing and help a woman get out of her head, relax and slow down.
Sex & the Suburbs — Live! Sizzling Couples For a deeper exploration of intimacy, join columnist Marjie Killeen at the Wilmette Theatre Thursday, June 13. Hot couples share how they keep the sexual energy flowing in their relationships.
June 13 | 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 Wilmette Theatre 1122 Central Ave. 847-251-7424 wilmettetheatre.com
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by Julie chernoff
Guildhall 694 Vernon Ave. Glencoe 847-835-8100 guildhallrestaurant.com
Put downtown Glencoe —yes, you heard me— on your restaurant radar. Guildhall, a seasonal American restaurant, is open and already packed to the rafters. The team behind Guildhall is a veritable who’s who of Chicago food: Glencoe’s Eric Fosse, founder and CEO of HomeMade Pizza; restaurant real estate macher Albert Friedman; and General Manager Phil Marienthal (Blue Mesa, Canoe Club). The building has been gutted; the brick walls, original tin ceiling and wood floors have been restored; and the space has been cleverly divided into bar, dining area, public/private dining space, with an open kitchen and spectator seating in the back room, all clad in soft whites and greens, with plenty of warm wood surfaces. They’ve brought in exec chef Christian Ragano (late of NoMI) to preside over the seasonally driven menu, paired with a beverage program of hand-crafted cocktails, old- and new-world wines, craft beers and ciders. Their motives are clear, as spelled out on the menu: “We believe cooking is a craft. We are committed to working with local and artisanal purveyors to source the highest quality ingredients available.”
Adult Beverages and Pimento Crack
Start with a cocktail ($11). The Guildhall G&T is a cut above the standard, featuring City of London Gin, herby house-made tonic “syrup” and lots
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of fresh limes, and the beautifully balanced BarrelAged Manhattan (Rittenhouse Rye, Carpano Antica, and Amargo Montenegro) is deep, dark and mysterious. While imbibing, dig in to the terrific, warm epi bread, served with a ramekin of pimento butter. I suspect it might actually be crack—very addictive. We loved the luxe Tarte Flambée Forestière ($12), an Alsatian-style flatbread, laden with nutty Gruyère Cheese, sautéed wild mushrooms and onions, crème fraiche and Nueske’s bacon. I could eat that all day. The English Pea Soup ($6), a glorious bowl of deep bright greenness, glistened with a drizzle of bright lemon oil and a tangle of pea tendrils and bacon nubbins. The server was careful to note which dishes had bacon in them—they are very respectful of dietary restrictions here. There seems to be an issue with underseasoning in the kitchen. The deconstructed Tuna Niçoise ($14) was woefully short on flavor, although the tuna tartare was clearly fresh. The dish did not lack for elements (two roasted cherry tomatoes, dressed arugula, finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, and “balsamic chips”), but it didn’t really come together. The chips lacked the billed balsamic flavor, and I didn’t understand the plating. The otherwise beautiful Farm to Bowl Salad ($8), featuring local greens and paper-thin slices of radish, cucumber, carrots and
Photos courtesy of guildhall
guildhall
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squash tossed in a buttermilk Green Goddess dressing, could have benefitted from salt and pepper. The Next Great Burger
Looking for the next great burger? I think we’ve found it. The Guildhall Burger ($16), featuring juicy house-ground beef, more bacon, caramelized onions, earthy Morbier cheese, and whole-grain mustard on a pretzel bun, was fantastic. The pommes frites were hot, well salted and just the right ratio of outside crunch to soft inside. Preemptively ask for extra homemade pickle slices and thank me later. There’s no faulting the perfectly cooked, medium rare Rack of Lamb ($29), three nice meaty chops over a ragout of chickpeas and piquillo peppers, strewn with mint. But I wondered what happened to the menu-billed, house-made merguez sausage as it was non-existent on my plate. The ragout had a lovely flavor, though the chickpeas weren’t quite tender enough. Fresh Rushing Waters Trout ($23) filets, served skin on, were topped with piquillo pepper jam and served with an arugula salad. Tasty, but we weren’t jumping out of our seats. We did love the light-as-air Housemade Ricotta Cavatelli ($17) with a sauce of spinach, lemon and Parmesan, sprinkled with chopped hickory nuts. Do not pass up the side of Creamed Spinach with Pernod ($6). I could have eaten a gallon of it, but then my jeans would have posed a serious problem. That is a side dish of the gods. Sweets for the Sweet
About the desserts: the weird thing is that nothing was as titled. The Apple Clafouti ($8) was more of a pureed apple tart (it had a crust!) than an eggy, flan-like fruit pancake, while the Milk Chocolate Cremeux ($8) was more akin to a delicious gelato than a pudding. I’m not complaining about the taste, mind you, just the nomenclature. The tangy Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta ($8), served in a little crock, was topped with almond crunchies, fresh rhubarb and citrus, was so yummy I didn’t care that it wasn’t a true panna cotta. I just wanted more. Let’s face it. Although the northern suburbs have plenty of restaurants, there aren’t many with downtown cred. So you know that Guildhall will pack ‘em in.
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DI N I NG
Lamb Sausage at Union Pizzeria
BY JULIE CHERNOFF
MUCH TO MY ENDLESS CHAGRIN, I totally missed the boat when it came to the late, lamented—and highly lauded—Great Lake Pizza in Andersonville. I just couldn’t deal with the lines, and the uncertainty that they could run out of dough while I was standing in said line, which translates to (horror of horrors): NO PIZZA. So this year, my mission is to seek out pizza perfection. Listen, it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta take one for the team. Here are some of the pizzas I recommend so far, chosen from all around Chicago and the North Shore.
Bar Toma 110 E. Pearson St., Chicago | 312-266-3110 bartomachicago.com Tony Mantuano’s wood-burning oven sends out some wild combinations, like the one with Caprino goat cheese, hazelnuts, melted leeks, dates and thyme, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar. Wow. Barnaby’s 960 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook | 847-4983900 | barnabysofnorthbrook.com I’d be terrified to leave this off the list, ‘cuz this place has a serious following. I’m fond of spinach and mushroom on their thin cornmeal crust. Burt’s Place 8541 N. Ferris Ave., Morton Grove 847-965-7997 Order ahead, and your pizza will greet you. Otherwise, you’ll wait awhile. Load up
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with veggies and you’ll be a happy camper (spinach, mushrooms, mixed peppers, onions). Candlelite 7452 N. Western Ave., Chicago | 773-4650087 | candlelitechicago.com The thin-crust, Candlelite White pizza is sassy. Your breath will be, too. Roasted garlic spread, caramelized onions,mozzarella, provolone, parmesan and goat cheeses. Hello, lover. Francesca Intimo 293 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest | 847-735-9235 miafrancesca.com I’ve got a thing for their Napoletana pizza, topped with arugula, cherry tomatoes, garlic, EVOO, provolone and shaved Parmesan, especially if you add prosciutto for an extra $2.
La Madia 59 W. Grand Ave., Chicago | 312-329-0400 | dinelamadia.com My favorite summer pizza combination, this indulgent white pizza romances with burrata cheese, fire-roasted Nichols Farm summer squash, and cherry tomatoes. Merlo’s 581 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park | 847266-0600 | merlosrestaurant.com I was not expecting this to be as tasty as it was. We went simple with prosciutto and arugula. Well, kind of simple. Panino’s 1968 Dempster St., Evanston | 847-475-6200 | 28 S. Fairview, Park Ridge | 847-823-3450 paninospizzeria.com Head straight for the Artisan-Style Pizza section on the menu, and order the Capriciossa: fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, artichokes, roasted cremini mushrooms, prosciutto, Kalamata olives, and EVOO. Piece 1927 W. North Ave., Chicago | 773-772-4422 piecechicago.com This is the only New Haven-style pizza in town, so treat it with respect: go for the classic White Pizza with clams, bacon and fresh garlic. No, really.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNION PIZZERIA
the best pizza search is on!
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Saranello’s 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling 847-777-6878 | saranellos.com This thin-crusted pan pizza is mighty fine, especially when topped with crispy pepperoni, fresh garlic and hot peppers. Siena Tavern 51 W. Kinzie St., Chicago | 312-595-1322 sienatavern.com Even if I wasn’t infatuated with Chef Fabio Viviani, I’d still crave this Pear and Prosciutto Pizza, slathered with roasted garlic cream and topped with oozy mozzarella and taleggio cheeses, grilled pears, and fresh arugula. And the crust… yum! Spacca Napoli 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago | 773-8782420 | spaccanapolipizzeria.com I’m in love with the combination of Salsiccia e Broccoletti: Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and provolone cheese. È molto bella. Trattoria D.O.C. 706 Main St., Evanston | 847-475-1111 trattoria-doc.com This Neapolitan-style, thin-crust pizza needs a minute to sit on your table before you dig in. I like the Gustosa: fresh mozzarella, asparagus, ham, egg and shaved Parmesan. Trifecta Grill 501 Chestnut St., Winnetka | 847-441-1700 trifectagrillwinnetka.com There’s something about their BBQ Chicken Pizza. Maybe it’s the addition of gorgonzola cheese and cilantro… Union Pizzeria 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston 847-475-2400 | unionevanston.com I dream of their wood-oven pie, especially the Pinn-Oak Lamb Sausage with roasted eggplant, greek olives and rosemary. Forgive me for my sins. Viccino’s multiple locations | viccinos.com Try the Chicken Bravo, with marinated chicken breast, tomato, broccoli and roasted garlic on whole-wheat crust.
Are you mad that your fave isn’t on this list? Send me a note at jchernoff@makeitbetter.net
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E n t E rta i nm E n t | book list
best books for the beach bag b y k e l ly k o n r a d
Summer sun means summer fun. If you are daydreaming about calm waters and cool breezes, we’ve got the book to complete your day at the beach.
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Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple You think your mom is crazy? My guess is Bernadette Fox has got her number. join daughter Bee as she tries to decipher her mother’s whereabouts, along with her past, in this wickedly entertaining novel.
One Last Thing Before I Go by Jonathan Tropper Great for guys, too. Drew Silver is a washed up rocker who spends his days lounging poolside with other divorced dads. But something’s different—now he’s dying. Can he make things right with his family before he draws his last breath?
This Explains Everything by John Brockman If you need something more intellectual (or just want to impress the beachmates), this is the book. Rife with reasoning on everything that’s deep, you’re certain to find the answer to your most vexing questions.
Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris It’s Sedaris, need I say more? These essays will have you laughing out loud with little ability to explain why—perfect for poolside entertainment.
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini From the author of the wildly popular The Kite Runner and sure to be on everyone’s book bucket list comes a story of family and choices that transcend generations.
The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan How’s your marriage? And just why did you take your vows? escape into the tale of four unions, wrapped around a history of diamonds here in America.
june 2013
makeitbetter.net
5/7/13 10:47 AM
manlymusic by va l h a l l e r o f va l s l i s t I have four sons, two
MuSic For Your Man
brothers, two fathers, three Hilltop Hoods Australian hip-hop band brothers-in-law, five uncles, for fans of Eminem seven nephews, and one husPeatbog Faeries band. I live in a veritable sea Celtic rock—best with of testosterone. volume up A few years ago, my friend The Lone Bellow and I wanted to make a photo Alt-rock with a vintage vibe coffee table book called House Duologue of Boys. We took hundreds Chill electronic—great of pictures of our real-life, background music for working all-male households. What Matt Costa fun we had, documenting Indie rock for fans of the habits of the American Dylan, George Harrison male—through photos. The empty laundry baskets with dirty clothes laying next to it. Heaps of teenage boys’ shoes in the front hall—including tennis shoes with no laces, a Birkenstock with front end bitten off by a dog, topsiders with broken down backs, just to name a few. Our front closet included eight black North Face fleeces that couldn’t all be ours. Bedrooms all have the same thing: unmade beds with cyclone-twisted sheets, and wet towels on the floor. Desktops piled with everything but books and desk items. The TVs all tuned to ESPN. The sink is filled with plates that haven’t been rinsed. Our garage looks like a sporting goods store. My boys have grown up to be men, and soon they will share their habits with some lucky new woman. And I will miss them. ShowS For Your Man
June 1 Dispatch at Charter One Pavilion (take your teens)
June 14 Fleetwood Mac at Allstate Arena (flashback)
June 2 Stephen Kellogg at SPACE (for the family)
June 15 House concert at Val’s— Emily Hurd & Stone Blind Valentine, contact Val val@valslist.com (for bluegrass lovers)
June 3 Calexico at City Winery (have dinner, too) June 8 Zac Brown Band at Alpine Valley (country fave)
June 17 & 18 Leon Russell at City Winery (flashback)
local marketplace Dr. DaviD Center, DDS Delivering experienced cosmetic and family dentistry for 30+ years. Services include new laser dentistry, in-office laser whitening and Invisalign orthodontia. Check out our National Dental Reviews on our website. Call about our New Patient offer! 9933 Lawler Ave., Skokie 847-677-0080 davidcenterdds.com
Calligraphy by Katherine Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting. Set the tone of your event with elegantly addressed invitations and envelopes. Specializing in weddings and special occasions. Wilmette 847-251-3242 calligraphybykatherine.net
plaStiC Surgery anD MeD Spa of Dr. MiChael byun Awarded “Best Plastic Surgeon 2012” by Make It Better, Dr. Byun has locations in both the North Shore and downtown Chicago. He specializes in procedures for the face, breasts, body and skincare. 1775 Walters Ave. Northbrook 847-513-6899 chicagocosmeticsurgery.com
See your buSineSS here! Are you a local business owner? Learn more about advertising in the Local Marketplace! Contact Michelle Weiss, Advertising Sales Director, at 847-256-4642 or michelle@makeitbetter.net
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M A K E A DI FFE R E NCE
B Y K E L LY K O N R A D AND SANDRA A. MILLER
SUPPORT RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION Shedd Aquarium 312-939-2438 | sheddaquarium.org Your donation supports research and conservation efforts to help sea animals at this iconic Chicago institution and in the wild around the world. Connect with and support best practices locally and globally. Learn more at sheddaquarium.org.
DANCE TO KEEP THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO FREE FOR ALL Lincoln Park Zoo 312-742-2296 | lpzoo.org Give support (and have a great time) by attending this year’s Zoo Ball—Wild At Heart—presented by the Women’s Board and Guggenheim Partners. Dance under the stars with the animals, to help keep the zoo free for all families and continue its leadership in wildlife conservations. For more information, call 312742-2296 or visit lpzooball.org.
HELP THE “ABILITY LAB” Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago 312-238-1000 | ric.org/donate. Support the “Ability Lab” at RIC, which allows this world-class institution to pioneer better ways to help injured individuals recover and live as fully as possible. Please donate at ric.org/donate.
GIVE BROKEN CHINA AND OLD JEWELRY A NEW LIFE The Douglas Center 847-674-1921 ext. 245 | thedouglascenter.com Donate your broken china, wall tiles, pottery and costume jewelry to The Douglas Center, where individuals with disabilities recycle them by making and selling art creations. Call or email Linda Cordero, Development Coordinator 847-674-1921 ext. 245 or email lcordero@ thedouglascenter.com
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHEDD AQUARIUM AND LINCOLN PARK ZOO
DONATE TO THE FUTURE OF THEATER The Music Theatre Company 847-579-4900 | themusictheatrecompany.org/ silverstein Support the Elana Ernst Silverstein scholarships for youth in second grade through college, in the musical theatre education wing of this critically acclaimed professional Highland Park theater. Donate online at themusictheatrecompany.org/ silverstein or call 847-579-4900.
DONATE TECHNOLOGY Silent Stars Foundation 847-644-6591 | silentstars.org Donate your gently used iPads or iTouches to this foundation, which helps speechimpaired children using appropriate apps. Silent Stars loves volunteers to work with kids, too.
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Photo courtesy of Les turner ALs foundAtion
RAISE MONEY FOR ALS Les Turner ALS Foundation 847-679-3311 | lesturnerals.org Volunteer at the Soldier Field Walk, which will help raise funds for research at the northwestern university labs dedicated to finding the cure for ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
TALK TO TEENS National Runaway Safeline 773-880-9860 | 1800runaway.org Located on Chicago’s north side, this national organization supports troubled teens who call in for help. Volunteers are asked to commit to one year of service answering phones, as an administrator or member of the Board of Directors. Learn more at 1800RunAWAY.org
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M A K E A DI FFE R E NCE
better makers and their impact
ACT IMP
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Message of Hope Gala April 12, 2013 Four Seasons Chicago $900,000+ raised 2
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(1) Casey March of Chicago, Managing Director, U.S. Fund for UNICEF Midwest Region; Dawn Rewey of Chicago, Midwest Region Board Member; Joe Silich of Chicago, Midwest Region Board Chair; Martha Metz of Glencoe and Tina Trott of Winnetka, Gala Co-Chairs; Dave Otte, Ken Zaugh, Mary Lou Giustini, all of Chicago, Midwest Region Board Members; (2) Adam Gifford, UNICEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next Generation Chicago Chair, and Nora Gifford, both of Chicago; (3) Impact: two young children are able to access clean water; (4) Paul Harvey of Evanston, Midwest Region Board Member; Marian Arens of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, major donor.
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JUNIOR LEAGUE OF EVANSTON-NORTH SHORE
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Baby Steps Project April 20, 2013 Evanston Hospital $13,000 raised
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF EVANSTON-NORTH SHORE
SHOWN IN PHOTOS:
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(1) Junior League of EvanstonNorth Shore new member class with Maryanne Kennedy of Evanston Hospital (left) (2) Kris Hagen of Winnetka, Paige Ellwood of Winnetka, Natalie Smith of Evanston, Rinne Evans of Winnetka; (3) Caroline Flanigan of Evanston, 2013 Baby Steps Project Chair. Jane Evans, New Member Committee Chair; Caroline Flanigan, Baby Steps Project Chair Make It Better was the media sponsor of this event.
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YOUTH JOB CENTER
2013 Gala April 13, 2013 Art Institute of Chicago $250,000 SHOWN IN PHOTOS:
PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUTH JOB CENTER
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(1) Val Warner of Chicago, from ABC Channel 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Windy City Live, was the host for the evening; (2) Marcia Mead, YJC Board member; Ann Jennett, YJC Founder; Clifton Williams, former YJC client and his wife Brenda Williams; all of Evanston; (3) Three YJC clients on the job at Jewel; (4) Front row: Tresa Simmons, Val Warner, Sacella Smith, Ebony Dill, Kevin Gordon, Michelle Johnson; Back Row: Darnell Cloud, Vanessa Tate. Chi Mbachu, Aundria Hopkins, Stacey Johnson, Justin Brissette, all of Chicago. Make It Better was the media sponsor of this event.
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Students watch a Pacific white-sided dolphin
SPONSOR E D CON T E N T
behind the scenes
at
YOU MIGHT KNOW THAT SHEDD
Aquarium is one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums that welcomes 2 million visitors annually, but did you know that Shedd also supports rescued marine mammals and the work of scientists who track and protect endangered species? Behind the scenes, Shedd runs nationally recognized programs in animal care, conservation and research, learning, community access and sustainability. Here’s a peek at what goes on behind the exhibits:
ind Cruz, the bl p pu n sea lio
Animal Care: Rehabilitating Cruz, the Blind California Sea Lion Pup In January, Shedd, a recognized leader in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, rescued a sea lion pup that was found blinded by gunshot
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wounds on a beach in Santa Cruz, Calif. Shedd trainers have taught Cruz to follow the sound of a rattle—an audio cue that allows him to learn about his environment as well as build trust with the animal care team. He’s learned that the sound of the whistle means he will get a fish. Dr. Bill Van Bonn, vice president of animal health, says, “Cruz has a disability that will stay with him the rest of his life. But he’s a spunky animal with a lot of personality, and he’s adapting remarkably well.”
Conservation and Research: Tracking Ancient Arapaima Shedd’s Dr. Lesley de Souza is working in Guyana, studying the arapaima, one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world at over 6 feet in length and 220 pounds. This riveting New York Times blog post (nyti.ms/YQR7cP) has her catching the giant fish in a net, getting kicked in the gut by one and managing to tag it, roasting piranha over a campfire for dinner and avoiding middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks for fear of jaguars. Dr. de Souza is working to save the commercially extinct fish, which is a victim of overfishing.
Learning: Supporting Service Programs for Teens Through the Shedd Stewards program, teens gain service hours while
Dr. Lesley de Souza with an arap aima
learning about Chicago’s ecosystem and participating in hands-on stewardship activities that include canoeing on the Chicago River, removing dandelions and invasive buckthorn and exploring how organic lawn care practices contribute to the health of the Great Lakes.
Community Access: Bringing Chicago’s Children to the World’s Aquarium Last year, Shedd subsidized nearly $1.45 million for school children in Illinois, helping almost 53,000 Chicago Public Schools students learn through free field trips and classes. In addition, 114,370 school children visited with free admission, seeing in real life the animals they learn about in school. Want to support Shedd’s efforts? Go to sheddaquarium.org/give_now and help make a difference in our community and around the world.
PHOTO OF DR. DE SOUZA BY CARLSON HAYNES, OTHER PHOTOS BY SHEDD AQUARIUM/BRENNA HERNANDEZ
B Y S H E D D A Q U A R I U M S TA F F
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m a K e a di ffe r e nce | local treasure
ecomyths alliance
Using humor to make environmentalism fun By SUSan B . noye S Kate SacKman, of LaKe foreSt, believes
lic radio station WBEZ, which does a monthly EcoMyths segment on the show “Worldview.” An entrepreneur at heart, Sackman founded Aurora Technology, a medical software and systems company, with her father and sold it nine years later, in 2003. Substantial volunteer service with the Lake Forest Open Lands followed, including her tenure as President. Sackman started discussing with other passionate environmentalists and experts how to make green living more accessible to the general public. Thus EcoMyths Alliance was born three years ago. “With EcoMyths I get to channel my twin passions for business and the environment,” Sackman says. “The goal is to inspire and empower people to make more sustainable choices, with bite-sized, entertaining content.” Sackman’s hope for the future? “That millions and millions of people will be intrigued and eventually inspired to make small, daily changes in their lives.” Those simple choices can be the difference between a habitable and unhabitable planet in the future.
Photo & comic coUrteSy of kate Sackman
that humor and fun will entice more people to adopt green living practices than lectures. So, she founded EcoMyths Alliance with a group of like-minded environmentalists affiliated with major institutions, such as The Field Museum, Alliance For The Great Lakes, Lake Forest Open Lands and the National Wildlife Federation, to do just that—make environmental advice fun and easy to understand. Think Kermit The Frog meets Ghostbusters meets environmentalism. EcoMyths makes it easier to be green by busting environmental myths with original cartoons and articles created in partnership with leadKate Sackman ing experts. They hope to add a curriculum for schools soon, too. The content delivered on their website has caught the attention of the media, including Chicago’s pub-
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CLOSI NG T HOUGH TS
I THINK IT’S A GOOD TIME TO TRY AND GIVE BACK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. WE’RE ALL VERY LUCKY TO BE HERE, SO YOU CAN’T TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED. —DARWIN BARNEY
CUBS SECOND BASEMAN DARWIN BARNEY makes it
better both on and off the field. He brought a whole lot of joy to now 4-year-old Drew Boedigheimer, who spent the early years of his life in a hospital waiting for a heart transplant. Drew had been to more than 50 baseball games, and was beyond excited when the Golden Glove winner paid a special visit to him in the hospital, with gifts and a personalized jersey in tow.
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