July/August 2017 - Make It Better Best of 2017

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CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

WE ASKED, YOU VOTED!

2017

Winner of the Best of 2017: “Best Real Estate company.�

Thank you to Make it Better and our supporters!

: G N I N WAR

, JOY N O I T ELAXA EMORIES! R E S M AU MAY C RGETABLE NFO AND U

CONGRATS TO ALL THE 2017 WINNERS! When you can’t make it to Disney…

LAKE GENEVA IS YOUR PLACE!

N OW O P E N AT G R A N D G E N E VA R E S O R T & S PA

Falling in love with Lake Geneva is easy…

Maybe it’s the way the sun light shimmers on the lake, the way the sunset hits the trees, the amazing sensation of soaring through the air and laughing with friends on a zip line adventure, or a fun-filled day on the water. Or maybe … it’s just an afternoon of pampering and relaxation at one of the many area spas, taking a stroll on the shore path or downtown Lake Geneva, browsing the unique shops and stopping for a bite to eat. Whatever your choice, Lake Geneva offers events, colors, tastes and wonders for every season.

TASTEFULLY TUCKED AWAY Your Lake Geneva getaway just got an upgrade. The newly opened Villas at Grand Geneva feature full kitchens, spacious living areas and up to three bedrooms. Tag along on the trolley for easy access to all the resort’s adventures.

Visit GrandGeneva.com/Villas to reserve yours today.

(800) 558-3417 GRANDGENEVA.COM/VILLAS

WA

: G N I RN

BE Y A M S N O L A S TH L D A N E A H R PAS U S O Y R U TO O L A I C I BENEF

View Venue with a

Seeing is believing aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. Each private, luxury cruise offers guests best-in-class service, premier catering, high-end amenities and something you won’t find inside any boardroom or ballroom: one-of-a-kind city views that are sure to amaze. Cruise the river or lakefront and give your guests an event they’ll never forget.

For more information, visit CruiseChicago.com or call 847.358.1330

D E PA RT I N G F R O M M I C H I G A N AV E N U E A N D WAC K E R D R I V E O N C H I C AG O ’ S R I V E R WA L K

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1 1 2 E . WAC K E R D R I V E

A bill you can share as easily as your fries.

That’s the BMO Effect.

We get that sharing a bill the old fashioned way can be hard to stomach. That’s why BMO Harris Bank now offers People Pay, a simple way to send money, right from your phone.

Learn more at bmoharris.com/mobile

Message and data rates may apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details. Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval. People Pay is available for BMO Harris Mobile Banking smartphone apps only. For details, see the BMO Harris Mobile Banking End User Terms found at bmoharris.com/legal. BMO Harris Bank Member FDIC

People talk about empowering women to advocate for change.

We do it.

People talk about strengthening US-Israel ties.

We do it.

People talk about game-changing medical discoveries.

We do it.

We’re the largest Jewish women’s organization in America.

This is what we do.

DO SOMETHING. JOIN US.

Hadassah Chicago-North Shore chicago-northshore@hadassah.org

847.205.1900

HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.

hadassah.org/DO

©2017 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah, the H logo, and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

Kitchens Designed from a Cook's Perspective

Award Winning Kitchens Meticulously Designed, Uniquely YOURS Custom Bathrooms, Closets and Built-ins Chicago’s Outdoor Kitchen Specialist Call our design team for a complimentary consultation!

“This armoire with its antique mirrors is actually a built-in refrigerator/freezer, flanked on either side by two pantry cabinets.”

Serving Chicago and the Northshore for 26 years 6/22/12

806 Central Ave., Suite 101, Highland Park, IL 60035 847.433.2400 www.DreamKitchens.com

For a limited engagement, experience the music, art and fashion of the world’s greatest rock and roll band at Exhibitionism - The Rolling Stones exhibit. This blockbuster interactive event features over 500 rare Stones items, including vintage guitars, lyric books, unseen footage and a 3D concert finale. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.

For tickets, visit stonesexhibitionism.com

★ ★ the ★ ★

SCIENCE to get your

life back

BRAIN INJURIES: SCIENCE HAS LANDED.

Here comes 26 stories of scientific-powered hope for patients facing life-altering injury or illness. Built on the shoulders of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, this shining new hospital has 10x more dedicated researchers than any other rehabilitation hospital.

Like never before, researchers work directly alongside doctors and therapists, surrounding patients to collaborate in real time, not theory time. Faster, better outcomes. Do you hear us coming?

BRAIN I SPINAL CORD I NERVE, MUSCLE & BONE I PEDIATRIC I CANCER

DAYS OF C A R IN G a n d Y E A R S OF PA S SI ON

GIVE EVE RY F LOW E R and T R E E A L O N G E R L IF E S PA N.

& B E C AUSE A F T E R a LON G DAY YOU SH OUL D

TA K E YOUR T IM E and E N J OY IT. We are Chalet. The North Shore’s number one landscaping destination. Discover how our 100-year-old legacy continues to inspire our innovations at chaletnursery.com

FEATURES J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 • V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 4

Busy lives feel more manageable when you declutter and ensure that kids (and fur babies!) have a dedicated space for all of their things, as in this mudroom by “Best of 2017” Best Builder Winner A. Perry Homes. For more, see page 72.

37

Summer Go Guide Part II

By Anna Carlson

42

10 of the World’s Most Inspiring Athletes

By Darnell Pearson

47

Best of 2017

By Rebeca Ballesteros, Anna Carlson and Julie Chernoff Photo by Matt Mansueto Photography

67

Around the Horn: Visting 5 MLB Ballparks

By Julie Chernoff

72

Everything in Its Place

By Megan Craig

80

The Best Foods for Boosting Brainpower

By Brittany Anas

94

Beauty at Every Age

By Jenny Muslin

103

We Like Him. We Really, Really Like Him: An Interview with John Mahoney

By Julie Chernoff

DEPARTMENTS HOME

90 96

44

In Word and Deed: An Interview with Real Estate Mogul Sean Conlon

By Megan Craig

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

64

Step Up to the Plate

By Julie Chernoff

Summer Stage 106

By Robert Loerzel

FAMILY & TRAVEL

76 Time to Hire a Tutor? Benefits

64

By Susan Pasternak

78 What You Need to Know About End-of-Life Documents

By Shannan Younger

98

85 Senior Living Directory 98 Your Top 5 Dog Problems, Solved!

100

By Lindsay Roseman

The Pampered Pooch

By Lindsay Roseman

A BETTER YOU

90

Ready to Run: How to Train for a 5K

By Christy Coughlin

96 It’s a Wrap

By Tracy Clifford

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

114 Better Makers and Their Impact 106

By Anna Carlson

120 The 12 Best Young Professionals Groups in Chicago

By Pamela Rothbard

121 A Better Future: Make It Better

Needs You

By Susan B. Noyes

IN EVERY ISSUE

18 founder’s letter 24 contributors 26 you said it 28 from the web 30 fresh 32 community celebrations 113 give time, give things,

give support 122 closing thoughts

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA MONACO TORELLI; THRID PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM; BOTTOM PHOTO ©LIZ LAUREN; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO CUBS/LEVY

and Pitfalls of Academic Help

SUMMER...

BEGINS WITH ANTICIPATION AND EXCITEMENT

AND ENDS WITH

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FOUNDER’S LET TER

@susanbnoyes

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BETTER LIVING, BETTER GIVING

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

Welcome to our Best of 2017 issue. Once again, our online audience voted and chose well.

This issue is always a favorite for our staff. We love the community engagement throughout the exciting, interactive process as we proudly work first to identify, then to promote the nominees and winners, with the process culminating in a party celebrating the winners on board Chicago’s First Lady on Sep. 6. We invite you to meet the winners not just inside these pages, but at the celebration, too.

Susan B. Noyes with Cathy Pratt, longtime friend of Make It Better, keynote speaker and host for the Fifth Annual Philanthropy Awards celebration held at Wintrust’s Grand Banking Hall.

Community, connections and celebrations are what Make It Better does best. With every article and activity, we strive to educate and connect you to great ideas, businesses, nonprofits and opportunities — thereby helping you and yours toward better living, better giving, better times indeed.

As you will see on page 121, we’re now so effective online that we are exploring transitioning our print publication to a different model. We would appreciate your help with this decision — particularly if you would like to continue to receive this magazine.

Also, if you haven’t already done so, please join us online at makeitbetter.net. Subscribe to our “Better Letter” email newsletter, join our social networks and share your views by leaving a comment or submitting a “You Said It” op ed. Your time, attention and voice are powerful. We want to amplify your message as an important part of our own and connect you more strongly to this wonderful community, too.

Thank you!

Susan B. Noyes

MAKEITBETTER.NET @MAKEITBETTERNS

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MAKEITBETTERMAG

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The Mission of Make It Better is to be the most trusted, easiest-to-use community resource that helps you make your life and the lives of others better—online, in print and in person.

We accomplish this by providing the highest quality lifestyle content for our audience and connecting them to the businesses and nonprofits they support.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

NORTHSHORE CENTER FOR PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

HEALTHCARE IS GETTING PERSONAL Personalized medicine is transforming healthcare in multiple ways — from identifying risk factors to treating cancer. If you are diagnosed with cancer, the oncology team tests the cancer cells as soon as possible. They’re looking for the story in those cells — how they act, what drives their reproduction, and more. Based on what physicians glean from the cells’ genetics, they decide how best to treat them.

For many cancers, scientists now know which types of cells respond best to which treatments. They’ve developed roadmaps for how long treatment should last and which therapies work well together. All they need to start driving is the patient’s unique genetic information.

“In cancer care, personalized medicine is an increasingly important factor for treating the cancer more precisely and for assessing risk,” says Dr. Peter Hulick, Medical Director of the Center for Personalized Medicine at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

Personalized medicine — analyzing a patient’s genetics to inform treatment — can come into play long before a diagnosis and apply to much more than cancer. By looking at a person’s DNA, physicians access key health information. They can see genetic mutations that put the person at risk for many conditions ranging from heart disease to depression. From there, they can develop a prevention and screening plan to help the person maintain optimal health.

“Quite simply, personalized medicine changes the game. It is the future of medicine, and will likely be applied to all disease types across the board,” says Dr. Michael Caplan, Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and Chief Scientific Officer of the Research Institute at NorthShore.

Dr. Hulick adds, “We’re tailoring your care to you — your unique genetic profile and your family history.”

Launched in 2014, the NorthShore Center for Personalized Medicine is leading the way in what President Obama termed

22

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“precision medicine.” Already, their techniques and findings are making a difference in cancer, cardiovascular and neurological care — and in prevention.

“Prevention is always our first goal,” says Dr. Caplan. “If we can spot a potential risk for a particular disease in a patient early, we have a better chance of keeping that person from ever getting the disease.”

In preventive cardiovascular care, NorthShore specialists have identified genetic markers for increased risk of certain kinds of heart disease. They use this information to educate patients on lifestyle changes and possible medications to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease.

Personalized medicine is making strides in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, too.

A family history of the disease increases a person’s chance of developing Alzheimer’s, so physicians at NorthShore use genetic testing, advanced diagnostics and lifestyle factors to predict risks early. Then, they create a plan specifically for each patient to help delay — and possibly prevent — its onset.

“This is where medicine is headed: personalizing your care based on your specific genetic profile,” says Dr. Caplan.

“And we’re doing it now.”

Don’t wait for a diagnosis in order to be tested. Talk with a physician about your family history, and take a closer look at the genes that make you…you.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (847) 570-GENE or visit northshore.org/ genomics.

makeitbetter.net

Dr. Peter Hulick (top), Dr. Michael Caplan (bottom).

(847) 570-GENE | northshore.org/genomics

Personalized Medicine for what’s next.

Your genes, your history, your healthcare.

At the NorthShore Center for Personalized Medicine, we know hair color isn’t the only thing that runs in the family. So we’re using DNA to predict, prevent and treat illnesses. We’re identifying genetic markers for increased risk of heart disease and analyzing the DNA of tumors to determine the most effective treatment. All based on your unique genomic profile. This is healthcare for what’s next.

Call (847) 570-GENE or visit northshore.org/genomics

Center for Personalized Medicine

#CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS In honor of Make It Better’s annual Best Of issue, what is one local business that you absolutely love and why?

Megan Craig has been a journalist for more than a decade, writing and editing stories on a variety of subjects. Most recently, her writing has focused on real estate trends in the Midwest and around the country. She lives in Chicago’s Printers Row neighborhood with her roommate and a few too many cats.

“I’m at my happiest drinking a few Mary in the Library cocktails at Violet Hour in Wicker Park. The bar’s proximity to late-night tacos at Big Star only adds to its perfection.”

Jenny Muslin, Beauty Editor at Make It Better, has been writing for the magazine for seven years. She has also written for Chicago Parent, NS Modern Luxury, Red Tricycle, Stroller Traffic, and is a contributor for beauty app PrettyQuick. When she isn’t writing, she’s chasing after her 3-year-old son or trying to keep her eyes open after a late-night feeding with her baby girl.

“My favorite local business is Foodstuffs, hands down. I could never find something comparable in the city. Their salad bar is the best and the rows of candy on the way out are impossible to pass up!”

Darnell Pearson is a grad student at Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. He’s been a contributor to Make It Better since September 2016. In his free time he enjoys working out, watching movies and watching sports.

“One of my favorite local businesses is Batter & Berries on Lincoln Ave. The food never disappoints, the service is top notch and it’s a great place for breakfast and perfect for brunch. My favorite thing on the menu is the Flight of French Toast, which is a sample their strawberry, blueberry, lemon, and caramel french toast served with maple butter.“ Lindsay Roseman, formerly Make It Better Digital Editor, is a Chicago-based writer, editor and lifestyle blogger living in Old Town. When she’s not blogging about her current favorites on What Lindsay Loves, she’s looking for the best new thing in fashion, beauty, food and entertainment — or she’s probably running (training for her first Chicago Marathon). Other things Lindsay loves: banana lattes and small dogs. She’s a dog mom to @LylaTheCockapoo, who’s hopefully going to implement some of the trainer tips on page 98. Her work has also been published in CS, NS and Women’s Health magazines.

“It’s a toss up between Stella315 and Mingle Juice Bar in Glenview. Stella has such a great sense of style and will always give you her honest opinion or help you pick out an awesome gift. And I can’t leave The Glen without grabbing a juice or açaí bowl from Mingle!”

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321 N. Clark, Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60654 | 847-256-4642 Founder & Editorial Director Susan B. Noyes

Publisher Michelle O’ Rourke Morris

President & Chief

Francia Harrington

Strategy Officer

Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Editor In Chief Brooke McDonald Managing Editor Anna Carlson

Art Director Erica Barraca Designer Agnieszka Hansen

Beauty Editor Jenny Muslin

Dining Editor Julie Chernoff

Fashion Editor Tracy Clifford

Contributing Writers Brittany Anas Christy Coughlin Megan Craig

David Hammond Robert Loerzel Will Mendelson Susan Pasternak Darnell Pearson Lindsay Roseman Pamela Rothbard Shannan Younger Editorial Intern Rebeca Ballesteros

Technical Advisor Jennifer Speaker

Senior Account Executive Barbara Baisley Murray

Account Executive Susan Becker

Manager of Sales Lynne Madorsky Operations & Client Relations

Sales Marketing & Lindsay Stout Project Manager

Sales Interns Grace Carlson Riley McNulty GOT FEEDBACK? Email susan@makeitbetter.net TO ADVERTISE: Contact michellemorris@makeitbetter.net HAVE AN EVENT? Email anna@makeitbetter.net

S PA C E T H AT I S U N I Q U E LY Y O U .

All Phases of Lawn & Property Maintenance and Snow Management

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 6 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 321 N. Clark Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2017

by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Chicago, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 321 N. Clark Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60654. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2017 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU, SO PLEASE KEEP SENDING US YOUR STORIES, COMMENTS, OPINIONS, IDEAS AND REVIEWS!

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Thanks for all the emails, letters, tweets and Facebook messages this month! Here’s what you had to say: PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE MILLION DEGREES

Dear Ms. Noyes: You have noted in your magazine that you are open to feedback, which seems to be one of the few courtesies you have given to Skokie residents. Can you “Make It Better” for Skokie? No, I don’t think so by my recent experiences. It appears that since the start of this year, you have made things worse; not better. I used to think very highly of “Make It Better” because of the interesting articles, the excellent writing, the neighborhood feel and my appreciation that it was free. What a wonderful service to provide to the Chicago area northern suburbs. Therefore, as a long-time resident of Skokie and an active community member, I was surprised and confused that I suddenly stopped getting the magazine with no explanation.

So, what is the reason, Ms. Noyes? Has Skokie been excluded from your upscale mailing list because our downtown does not have fancy stores, is Skokie too diverse for your advertisers, do Skokie residents not have enough money to meet your marketing needs, are Skokie property values not large enough? I am sorry, it just has to be that Skokie is really not part of the North Shore. Interesting, because neither is Lincolnwood or other communities that you have decided to serve. I will be sure to inform my more affluent friends in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park and all the other surrounding suburbs about your judgement to no longer circulate “Make It Better” to Skokie.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and scholars of One Million Degrees (OMD), thank you for awarding OMD the Education Award at the 5th Annual Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Awards. We are honored to win this prestigious award and grateful for the generous video produced by sureCAN Productions. We are proud to count the Make It Better Foundation as a supporter this year!

—Paige Ponder, Allison Lipsman and Andrea Bussey, One Million Degrees

Please answer that question just as a matter of good public relations.

Kelly Q. Anderson @KellyQAnderson Thank you @makeitbetterNS for the tickets to the @Chi_Humanities event w/ @sherylsandberg. I am so very grateful. #chfstuff #optionb

Thank you, Ellen Waxberg

Here is the bottom line. For the magazine to be free to the recipients, we have to charge for advertising and provide free circulation to the zip codes and communities that advertisers target. Therefore, if you would like to receive the magazine for free, we would be DELIGHTED if you could refer advertisers from your community to us.

Do you receive our free email newsletter — the Better Letter? This is free to anyone in the world and all the content in our print magazines is also online and featured in the Better Letter. If you don’t, please do subscribe at makeitbetter.net/ subscribe. Again, thank you for caring and taking the time to write.

Kind Regards, Susan B. Noyes 2 6 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

PHOTO BY ERICA BARRACA

Founder’s Response: Dear Ellen, Thank you for writing. You obviously put a lot of time and effort into trying to re-subscribe. And that you took additional time to write is important to us.

You ask good questions too.

In response to Money, Values & Impact Presented by Morgan Stanley: What an absolutely terrific program you provided this afternoon: I was delighted to be included. How nice too to have a diverse mélange of speakers, all wonderful in their fields with lots of relevant information to impart. You are to be congratulated: well done!

—Marie Campbell, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/ KoenigRubloff Realty Group

Read more “You Said It” online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/YOUSAIDIT makeitbetter.net

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PHOTO BY HEATHER BLACKMORE

Farm-to-Table Food Lovers Need to Check Out This Unique Outdoor Dining Experience Sure, we all love farm-to-table food, but this might be as good as it gets: farm-to-table culinary experience that’s truly one to remember. Locavore Farm brings together farmers and gourmet chefs on five acres of gorgeous farmland for an unforgettable dining experience.

Let’s be honest: We could all probably do a much better job of keeping our houses clean. That’s where the best-selling author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” Marie Kondo, comes in. She walks us through the process.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/TIDY

what’s hot on makeitbetter.net HOME

BETTER YOU

At the Lake: Weekend Waterfront Homes in Chicago

Why You Absolutely Need an Emergency Fund

GUIDES

Landscaping and Gardening: Tips, Tricks and Tools

DINING

4 Paleo-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago

The Hottest Shoes for Summer 2017 By now, summer’s in full swing, but fear not if you’re still looking for that perfect shoe for a night out on the town in the warm weather. From cute boots ­— appropriate even in high temps — to sexy ankle straps, we’ve got you covered with endless styles.

Trust us, your feet will thank you.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/ SUMMERSHOES

J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO HUMANITIES FESTIVAL

 MAKEITBETTER.NET/LOCAVORE

Marie Kondo: How to Change Your Life Through Tidying

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CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

WE ASKED, YOU VOTED!

2017

63

RD

ANNUAL

2017

COVER CREDITS Featuring some of our Best of 2017 winners. For a full list of winners, see page 47 TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Studio SPIN, Ravinia,

Juniper Boutique, Shake Shack SECOND ROW: Lewis Floor & Home, Chicago Cubs, JCC Camp Chi, Kathryn Hastings Photography THIRD ROW: The Chopping Block, Lollapalooza FOURTH ROW: Sweet Mandy B’s, Chicago

Botanic Garden, Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra, Writers Theatre

BOTTOM ROW: Litte Beans Cafe, Lincoln

Park Zoo, The ‘60s Beauty Lash, The Peninsula Chicago

Photos courtesy of each business; Lollapalooza photo by Roger Ho; Writers Theatre photo © Hedrich Blessing; The ‘60s Beauty Lash photo by Caroline Wegener

join us labor day weekend! annual juried fine art show sunday - monday september 3 - 4 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Market Square Lake Forest, Illinois deerpathartleague.org Free Admission Open to the Public Artwork: Glenna Adkins

# W H AT S N E W

Get Your Graffiti On Gods Graffiti was started by friends Kristen Christensen, Jennie Cornell and Ali Dacy. The three girlfriends wanted to create something stylish, comfortable and inspirational that connected people to faith. The result?

They created a meaningful clothing line that inspires others to turn to whatever higher power they believe in. They want women of all ages to feel comfortable in what they wear and the message it sends. Encouraging words of kindness, love, peace, light, forgiveness, prayer and faith are woven into every shirt, and every shirt sale gives 10 percent back to charity. Some of the charities the line has given to include the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Chosen and Dearly Loved, a charity that helps aid families adopting children with special needs. Godsgraffiti.net —WM

Definitely Nom Nom At last, Evanston has a destination for fresh and healthy Vietnamese food: Viet Nom Nom, a new fast-casual spot that opened in June. Co-owners Noah Bleicher and Alan Moy were inspired to open the restaurant when they discovered a dearth of healthy dining options both on Northwestern’s campus and in downtown Evanston. They provide reasonably priced — but responsibly sourced and prepared — versions of Vietnamese favorites such as Banh Mi, rice-paper wrapped Summer Rolls, Spicy Peanut Pasta and savory Pho, each loaded with fresh herbs, veggies and your choice of protein (chicken, pork, tofu or shrimp, grilled or baked but never fried). Wash it down with a Viet Iced Coffee, “done the Nom Nom way,” with their proprietary blend of Dark Matter coffee, coconut milk, coconut sugar and agave. Homemade Almond Cookies provide a sweet ending. VIET NOM NOM: 618 ½ Church St., Evanston, 847-859-6326, eatvietnomnom.com — JC 30

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Jarringly Delicious Jar Bar, a healthy, fast-casual restaurant with handcrafted eats, opened on May 2. Founded by former television producer and lifestyle expert Karen Firsel, Jar Bar features tasty eats with an emphasis on clean ingredients and rich flavors. Breakfast items like the Jar Bar Classic, made with açaí, bananas, strawberry and blueberry compote, will leave you feeling energized in the morning, while delicious lunch and dinner options like the Lights Out, made with black rice, cabbage, cranberries, sweet potatoes and edamame, are sure to satisfy any craving. And though it’s perfect for grabbing on the go, the sleek 1,400-square-foot space, featuring hand-blown glass light fixtures made by Rustic Elements, will make you want to stay. JAR BAR: 1350 Shermer Road, Northbrook, jarbar.com —WM Cocktail Time Otto Mezzo, the brainchild of Brandon Phillips — who we might add was the Chicago Tribune’s 2016 “Bartender of the Year” — opened in late April in River North. The Italian cocktail bar is an intimate space, featuring 65 seats surrounded by candlelight and cozy seating. And though it may be a cocktail bar, specialty pasta dishes that change nightly and a selection of delicious small bites such as salami plates and olives filled with buratta are also served. Drink highlights we love include the Chiampan, a carbonated red-wine cocktail inspired by Phillips’ grandmother, and the Negroni della Casa, a gently tweaked version of the classic. Italian jazz and hip-hop music alternate, blending the old-school Italian vibe with a hip, modern vibe.

We’ll definitely drink to that.

OTTO MEZZO: 311 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, ottomezzobar.com —WM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

BY JULIE CHERNOFF AND WILL MENDELSON

THE

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GLASA The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA), a Make It Better Philanthropy Award winner, recently honored one of the program’s first volunteers, Eileen Shaughnessy of Vernon Hills, at a luncheon hosted by Women in Development North (WIDN) at the Evanston Golf Club on May 2. Since 1994, Eileen has been part of GLASA and is a founding board member of the organization. She has volunteered hundreds of hours with children and adults who have a physical or visual impairment. Eileen’s tireless efforts have helped Lake Country children and adults alike have opportunities to partake in adaptive sports and recreation in Lake County. GLASA: 27864 Irma Lee Circle #101, Lake Forest, 847-283-0908, glasa.org

Swissôtel Chicago Swissôtel Chicago celebrated being selected as a recipient of AccorHotels’ Global Bernaches Team Award for its partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, a nonprofit that provides a safe, positive and education-focused environment for abandoned children and their foster families in some of Chicago’s highest crime neighborhoods. Swissôtel Chicago’s SOS outreach initiative began as a fundraising campaign in early 2015 and has generated more than $43,000 over the past two years. The hotel annually hosts events for SOS children and their foster families, including the program’s flagship fitness and wellness-focused Vitality Day, Career Day, etiquette classes, Zumba party, Mother’s Day luncheon, summer picnic, harvest festival, and holiday VIP experience in the hotel’s Santa Suite. Swissôtel Chicago: 323 E. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-565-0565, swissotel.com 32

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Rocco Fiore & Sons Rocco Fiore & Sons is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2017. For 70 years, the respected landscaping company has delivered the industry’s best “quality, service and value.” The company began in 1938 when Rocco Fiore Sr. came to America to work for his uncle at the family nursery. In 1947, he established Rocco Fiore & Sons, which now operates with 300 employees and still provides the same gold standard of landscaping service. Rocco Fiore & Sons: 28270 N. Bradley Road, Libertyville, 847-680-1207, roccofiore.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

Instituto del Progreso Latino In April 2017, Instituto del Progreso Latino celebrated four decades of its innovation-providing education and career opportunities to people often underserved by traditional education systems. Working primarily in Chicago’s Latino community, this milestone represents the collective impact of Chicago’s families, business and education leaders, and civic and philanthropic partners supporting tens of thousands of families who have built greater stability with Instituto.

Established in 1977, it has grown to a powerful nonprofit organization that offers a suite of services including workforce development programs, financial counseling, job placement services, two public charter high schools, basic adult education, citizenship services and after-school and summer care for young students. Instituto del Progreso Latino: 2520 S. Western Ave., Chicago, 773-890-0055, institutochicago.org

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Banking products provided by Wintrust Financial Corp. Banks. 1. The bank does not charge its customers a monthly card usage fee. No transaction charge at any ATM in the Allpoint, MoneyPass, or Sum surcharge-free networks. Other banks outside the network may impose ATM surcharges at their machines. Surcharge fees assessed by owners of other ATMs outside the network will be reimbursed. Reimbursement does not include the 1.10% International Service fee charged for certain foreign transactions conducted outside the continental United States. 2. Limit one per customer. Employees of Wintrust Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries are ineligible. $100 deposit bonus is IRS 1099-INT reportable. $100 deposit bonus applies only to new Total Access Checking customers. $100 deposit bonus will be deposited into Total Access Checking account by 12/1/17. 3. New money is defined as money not currently held at any Wintrust Community Bank. Personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. A maintenance fee of $10.00 will be imposed every quarter if the daily balance on any day of the quarter falls below $200.00. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 6/12/17. The APY of 1.00% will be guaranteed for 12 months from the date account is opened on all balances. After 12 months, the rates are variable and subject to change at bank’s discretion.

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The exhibition is organized by the Art Institute of Chicago, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Réunion des musées nationaux–Grand Palais.

Major support is provided by Lesley and Janice Lederer. Additional funding is contributed by anonymous donors, the Alice M. La Pert Fund for French Impressionism, Juliette F. Bacon, the Kemper Educational and Charitable Fund, Ann C. Cooluris, Katherine L. Olson Charitable Foundation, Margot Levin Schiff and the Harold Schiff Foundation, Barbara and Marc Posner, the Robert Lehman Foundation, and David and Mary Winton Green Research Fund. Annual support for Art Institute exhibitions is provided by the Exhibitions Trust: Neil Bluhm and the Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation; Jay Franke and David Herro; Kenneth Griffin; Caryn and King Harris, The Harris Family Foundation; Liz and Eric Lefkofsky; Robert M. and Diane v.S. Levy; Ann and Samuel M. Mencoff; Usha and Lakshmi N. Mittal; Thomas and Margot Pritzker; Anne and Chris Reyes; Betsy Bergman Rosenfield and Andrew M. Rosenfield; Cari and Michael J. Sacks; and the Earl and Brenda Shapiro Foundation. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Paul Gauguin. Mahana no atua (Day of the God) (detail), 1894. The Art Institute of Chicago, Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection.

#CHICAGOSUMMER

SUMMER GO GUIDE

BY ANNA CARLSON

Lollapalooza

Our 2017 Summer Go Guide continues with even more festivals, concerts, museum exhibits and outdoor fun. So get going! Summer will (sadly) be over before we know it.

Mansions and Millionaires: The Walking Tour 1 McCormickville Saturdays, July 1 to Sept. 2 Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St., Chicago driehausmuseum.org The Driehaus Museum will host this 90-minute walking tour around River North throughout the summer with historian Sally Sexton Kalmbach, who will share historical photos and stories.

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Taste of Chicago July 5-9 Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago | cityofchicago.org Dine on the best food Chicago has to offer — all in one place. Plus, this year’s live music lineup includes Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Alessia Cara, Café Tacvba, Passion Pit and The O’Jays.

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Star Wars and More: The of John Williams 7 Music July 7-8 Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago | grantparkmusicfestival.com The 2017 season of the Grant Park Music Festival began in June, but you won’t want to miss this concert featuring music from “Star Wars,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jurassic Park” and more. So grab a blanket, pack some food and head out to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for an evening of classic movie soundtracks under the stars (and Chicago’s beautiful skyline).

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Square Roots Festival 7-9 7 July Lincoln Square (Lincoln Avenue, between Montrose and Wilson), Chicago squareroots.org Live music? Check. Craft beer? Check.

Food? Check. Family events? Check.

This festival, presented by the Old Town School of Folk Music and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of J U LY

Commerce, has everything you’d want in a summer event.

Uncorked, Bottles & Barrels July 13 Westfield Old Orchard, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie | westfield.com/ oldorchard This wine and whiskey tasting at Westfield Old Orchard will feature food samples from Roka Akor, Shake Shack, Nando’s Peri-Peri and Blaze Pizza, acoustic music, entertainment and shopping. All proceeds from the silent auction, as well as donated proceeds, will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

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2017 Winnetka-Northfield Sidewalk Sale July 14-15 East Elm, West Elm and Hubbard Woods business districts winnetkanorthfieldchamber.com/sidewalk-sale Find amazing deals and quality merchandise from local shops at this J U LY

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PHOTO BY CHARLES REAGAN HACKLEMAN/LOLLAPALOOZA

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Windy City Smokeout July 14-16 Grand Avenue and the Chicago River, Chicago | windycitysmokeout.com Summer is all about barbecue and craft beer. Add in concerts by country music stars like Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Jana Kramer and Brandy Clark, and you’ve got yourself a great summer festival. Barbecue will be provided by 13 national restaurants, including Chicago’s Smoque BBQ, Lillie’s Q and Bub City.

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Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks

annual sidewalk sale. Plus, stop by the “Kidentrepreneur” section in Hubbard Woods Park to find items created by local kids.

Summer Farmers Market J U LY July 15-16 Botanic Garden, 1000 15 Chicago Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org No summer is complete without a trip to the farmers market (or Chicago Botanic Garden). Shop for produce, flowers, herbs and more from vendors like The Chunky Scones, Elsie Mae’s Cannery and Pies, Joe’s Blues Blueberries, Tabal Chocolate and Windy City Harvest.

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Barre Code in the Park Wednesdays, July 19 to Aug. 23 MB Financial Park at Rosemont, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont | rosemont.com On Wednesday nights throughout the summer, The Barre Code Park Ridge will host free classes outside in Rosemont’s MB Financial Park. This workout includes cardio, strength training and restoration.

Highwood is celebrating the 49th year of Highwood Days with carnival rides, live music, food, a beer and margarita garden, and the second-annual North Shore Taco Fest.

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: “Romeo and Juliet” July 26 to Aug. 27 Various city parks | chicagoshakes.com Chicago Shakespeare Theater is once again heading outside and touring neighborhood parks around the city. This year, the theater will present an abridged version of “Romeo and Juliet.” Best of all, it’s free! Visit the theater’s website to find the park closest to you.

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North Shore Taco Fest and Highwood Days July 20-23 Highwood Metra Station/Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood celebratehighwood.com

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Summer Wine Fest 28 28 July Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago | lpzoo.org Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting their first Summer Wine Fest this year. Tickets include 20 wine tastings, a conversation with horticulture experts and live music.

Purchase a VIP Experience and enjoy exclusive wines, a private seating area, reserved bathrooms, food from Carnivale, The Chopping Block, Eataly and Tigerlily Events, and more.

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TOP PHOTO BY JEFF MARINI; BOTTOM PHOTO BY MICHAEL LITCHFIELD

Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution Opens July 16 Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie ilholocaustmuseum.org Bill Graham is considered one of the greatest concert promoters ever, having launched the careers of The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding and The Who, as well as benefit concerts like Human Rights Now! and Live Aid. He was also a Holocaust refugee. Learn more about the life of Bill Graham and explore the music of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with this exhibit, running through Nov. 12.

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Imagine U Block Party July 29 Outside Ethel M. Barber Theater at Northwestern communication.northwestern.edu Northwestern’s Imagine U creates productions perfect for children, and for the second summer will be hosting a free block party for kids and their families. Enjoy activities, music, games and more.

Oh, and come dressed up in your best fairy costume!

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64th Annual Outdoor Art Fair 29 Summer July 29-30 Lyon School, 1335 Waukegan Road, Glenview | glenviewchamber.com More than 80 artists from around the country will show their work at this fair, which will also feature food, entertainment, kids’ activities and a silent auction.

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2017 MLS All-Star 2 Game Aug. 2 Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago | chicago-fire.com, mlssoccer.com The Chicago Fire are celebrating their 20th season this year and will host the MLS All-Star Game to boot. MLS all stars will take on Real Madrid at Soldier Field, and it’s the perfect opportunity for avid or new soccer fans to see the best of the best.

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO FIRE; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

AUG

Lollapalooza 3-6 3 Aug. Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago | lollapalooza.com Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Muse, Arcade Fire, Lorde, Blink-182, Cage the Elephant, Wiz Khalifa, The Head and the Heart and Ryan Adams are just a few of the acts coming to Chicago this summer for Lolla.

AUG

Ragdale Ring’s the 10 “Composing Moment: Danced Improvisation” Aug. 10 Ragdale, 1230 N. Green Bay Road, Lake Forest | ragdale.org “Composing the Moment,” curated by Ginger Farley as part of this year’s Ragdale Summer Performance Series, AUG

will showcase a variety of dance styles, “from post-modern dance to urban street forms.” And don’t miss “Ziryab, the Songbird of Andalusia” on July 13.

Chicago Hot Dog Fest Aug. 11-13 1701 N. Stockton Drive at LaSalle Drive, Chicago | chicagohotdogfest.com Chicago knows a thing or two about hot dogs, so celebrate this summer staple with live music, hot dog history speakers and some of Chicago’s best vendors dishing up Vienna Beef hot dogs. A $5 suggested donation will benefit educational programming at the Chicago History Museum.

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Saved by the 90s Aug. 12 House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago | houseofblues.com/chicago Party like it’s 1999 with this ’90s cover band, coming to the House of Blues during their 25th anniversary season. You can also celebrate with the “world famous” Gospel Brunch (Sundays) or Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band Multimedia Experience (Aug. 24).

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2017 MLS All-Star Game

Chicago Hot Dog Fest

Northbrook After Dark Aug. 18 Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1700 Techny Road, Northbrook | nbparks.org If you’ve ever wanted to compete on “The Amazing Race” with your family, you won’t want to miss this Northbrook Park District event. Teams of four will compete in a course with eight challenges.

Prizes will be given to the team that finishes first and the team with the best costumes. Teams must register by Aug. 11.

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CSO: “Lord of the 18 Rings” Aug. 18-20 Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park | ravinia.org Your summer movie night will last all weekend long as Ravinia presents all three “Lord of the Rings” films with scores performed live by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

AUG

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Taste of Greektown 25-27 25 Aug. 400 S. Halsted, Chicago tasteofgreektown.com This free festival will highlight the best food in Greektown, as well as live music, entertainment, artisans, kids’ activities, and even a gyro eating contest.

AUG

Sangria Festival 2017 20 20 Aug. Humboldt Park, Chicago sangriafestivalchicago.com In addition to hand-crafted sangria, this festival will offer Spanish food and art, a Mercado, flamenco and samba performances, and live music. Partial proceeds will benefit San Lucas Church’s food pantry and Hot Meal Program and Humboldt Park’s traveling little league.

AUG

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises: Specialty Summer Cruises Through Oct. 8 112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago cruisechicago.com Whether you want to be a tourist in your own city or are hosting summer guests, catch sunset on a Twilight Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise (nightly at 7:30 p.m. except Wednesday and Saturdays) or get the perfect shot on the Capture Chicago Photography Cruise (Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m.).

ALL SUMMER

Chicago Air and Water Show Aug. 19-20 North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | cityofchicago.org It’s once again time to look to the skies for this favorite event, which is the “longest running free show of its kind” in the U.S.

MAKE IT BETTER IS A PROUD MEDIA SPONSOR OF THESE EVENTS: Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoo Ball 2017: The Mane Event July 14 Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago lpzoo.org/zoo-ball

A Safe Haven’s 7th Annual 5K RUN! To End Homelessness July 15 Montrose Harbor Grove 16, 600 W. Montrose Harbor Drive, Chicago | asafehaven.org Carnival Summer Soiree Presented by The Women’s Leadership Committee of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center Aug. 3 Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton St., Chicago ilholocaustmuseum.org Ravinia District Food Truck Thursdays Through Sept. 14 Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park facebook.com/RaviniaDistrict.HighlandPark

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TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF SANGRIA FESTIVAL; PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF CHICAGO

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#MAKEADIFFERENCE

10 OF THE WORLD’S MOST INSPIRING ATHLETES

BY DARNELL PEARSON

When you hear that an athlete’s off-the-field exploits have made headlines, it’s not always bad news. There are many athletes who are putting their resources and influence toward making the world better and changing the lives of others. Here’s a look at 10 of the world’s most inspiring and philanthropic athletes.

LeBron James

MO’NE DAVIS Mo’ne Davis isn’t your average 15-year-old. The Little League World Series pitcher who took the world by storm in 2014, becoming the first girl to pitch a shutout, has already appeared on the cover of more magazines — including Sports Illustrated — than a lot of professional athletes. Her charity efforts are also unmatched for one so young. Davis partnered with Make A Difference Everyday to create her own sneaker line. The proceeds go to Plan International USA’s “Because I am a Girl” initiative, which was developed to achieve gender equality around the world.

MIA HAMM Soccer great Mia Hamm played forward for the U.S. women’s national soccer team from 1987 to 2004 and was a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year. After the loss of her brother Garret Hamm, who passed away from a rare bone marrow disease, Hamm created the Mia Hamm Foundation to raise funds and awareness for bone marrow/cord blood transplant. She also dedicates a portion of the proceeds from her foundation to creating more opportunities for young women in sports. Over the years, Hamm’s foundation has partnered with Gatorade, Nike and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to host the Mia Hamm Foundation Golf Classic and the Soccer for Success program.

LEBRON JAMES LeBron James, a four-time MVP and three-time NBA champion, has made 13 NBA All-Star Game appearances in his career. In the midst of dominating the NBA, he has always found time to give back. The LeBron James Family Foundation partnered with the University of Akron and created the “I Promise” program, which guarantees four-year scholarships to the University of Akron for kids who qualify. The scholarship covers tuition and general university fees and services. The “I Promise” program will send 1,100 kids through college. With tuition currently at $9,500 per year, James, an Akron native, will invest $41.8 million in the future of Akron youth.

HEATHER O’REILLY Three-time Olympic gold medal-winner Heather O’Reilly was one of the best U.S. soccer players for more than 15 years and

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PHOTO BY TODD ROSENBERG

JOHN CENA During John Cena’s 16-year career in the WWE, he has racked up countless championships and accolades (he’s held the WWE championship belt a record 16 times). But while Cena has been building an impressive resume that puts him in any conversation about the all-time greats, his work outside the ring shouldn't go unnoticed. He has granted a record 500 wishes to kids battling life-threatening medical conditions through Make-A-Wish. He’s donated 6 million (and counting) airline miles for kids travel, hosted parties during WrestleMania events and is a Wish Ambassador for the program.

#MAKEADIFFERENCE

Serena Williams

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CALIBER FOUNDATION; RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF WWE

is fifth all-time in assists for the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Now the Arsenal Ladies FC star works with the Women’s Sports Foundation to help improve the lives of young women playing sports. O’Reilly has organized soccer camps all over the world for young women to help promote “healthy play” through sports and physical activity.

JABARI PARKER Jabari Parker was the second-round pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Parker, who hails from Chicago’s South Side, was the 2016 Baird Community Involved Athlete of the Year. He’s also the spokesman for an initiative launched by the Bucks and Milwaukee Public Schools to increase school attendance. Parker is very hands-on with the program. He treats selected students who have great attendance to dinners and does pop-up visits to schools with overall good attendance.

He also gives back to the city of Chicago by holding free basketball camps in the summer.

CAPPIE PONDEXTER Cappie Pondexter has been named one of the WNBA’s top 15 players of all time and is a two-time WNBA champion and a Finals MVP. She’s also a decorated and accomplished player overseas, winning four Turkish National League championships. The Chicago native and Chicago Sky point guard looks to give back to programs that help combat gun violence, having lost three young cousins to violence. Pondexter is considering starting her own foundation for victims and families fighting gun violence.

ANTHONY RIZZO Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is one of the top players in the MLB. Only 27, Rizzo has been to three straight All-Star Games and had a great 2016 season, winning a

John Cena

Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and Platinum Glove awards. And, of course, he was a member of the team that brought a World Series championship to Chicago, ending 108 years of futility. But in April 2008, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. Rizzo fought hard, and in November of that year, his cancer went into remission. He continues to help others through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which is run entirely by his family, and was created to help raise money to help families battling cancer. In May, the foundation donated $3.5 million to Lurie Children’s Hospital.

CRISTIANO RONALDO One of the most popular (if not the most popular) soccer players in the world is Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, a forward for the Spanish club Real Madrid and the Portugal national team. From 2008 to 2013, he collected four FIFA World Player of the Year/FIFA Ballon d’Or awards and received the firstever Best FIFA Men’s Player award in 2017. He just scored an astonishing 600th career goal, but it’s the off-the-field assist that makes him unique. Ronaldo has raised money for a variety of causes, from helping a 10-month-old boy who needed brain surgery to supporting tsunami victims in Indonesia.

SERENA WILLIAMS Since 2002, Serena Williams has been named the Women’s Tennis Association’s No. 1 player eight different times and has 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. In addition to her greatness on the court, Williams finds time to give back. In 2016, she and sister Venus Williams established the Williams Sister Fund. She is also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and created the Serena Williams Fund, which supports victims of gun violence and their families.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/PHILANTHROPY J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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# R E A L E S TAT E

IN WORD AND DEED: An Interview with Real Estate Mogul Sean Conlon

BY MEGAN CRAIG

But, while Conlon now offers his expertise in real estate both on the show and through his business endeavors, he wasn’t always a highrolling investor. Conlon was raised in Rathangan in County Kildare, Ireland, a small town with 900 people and 17 bars, which he jokes was his first experience with market saturation. But he always knew his future would lead elsewhere.

A diligent reader, Conlon was at the top of his class in school.

Despite working several jobs, he was forced to drop out of college for financial reasons. So he moved to England and “applied for 100 jobs, and 99 of them said no” — but Lehman Brothers said yes.

Conlon says he was unsurprised that of all the banks in England, an American bank gave him his start. “Go to America and you can be anything; always I thought that growing up,” Conlon says. “I thought, ‘I’m going to be average in England, so I should go to America.’”

Once in the U.S., Conlon worked as a janitor. Actually, he corrects himself, an “assistant to the janitor, and I sucked at it. I was the worst handyman ever,” he says.

Although his days were filled with janitorial work, he took classes at night to get his real estate license. And with his newfound license, he continued as a janitor while cold-calling potential clients in his free time. “I was always one day away from wanting to give up, but I’d get a little sale and keep going,” he says. “It seemed like a useless talent until it wasn’t.”

Conlon’s business exploded. He focused on Chicago neighborhoods that were at the time just becoming high-end, such as Lakeview near Wrigley Field, and Lincoln Park. At one point in the 1990s, he was one of the top selling agents in North America, partnering with architects, banks and contractors to take people from development of a property all the way through to sale. He even financed a few projects himself.

In 2000, having burned out on the insane work hours and demands of being such a successful agent, he founded a brokerage firm.

“Burnout is a risk, because [selling real estate is] such an emotional thing,” Conlon says. “It’s emotional for the seller and for the buyer, and they have a wonderful way of projecting that emotion on you if you care. And most good brokers care.”

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He sold, bought back and re-sold again his first brokerage, Sussex and Riley. Now, he owns Chicago-based CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate, which does about a billion dollars a year in residential sales and about half a billion dollars in commercial sales.

With numbers like those, Conlon obviously has found financial success. But he says he doesn’t feel wealthy. “I will always feel poor.

I won’t ever think I’ve ‘made it,’ which is probably what makes me, me,” he says. “I will spend two weeks in Malibu, but work out at 5 a.m. and then spend four hours on the phone.”

Conlon still works quite a bit, but he loves to travel and is dedicated to the Conlon Wildlife Fund. “Some day I’m going to buy a boat,” he says. “I said that in 1997 when I was interviewed, so I’m being consistent.”

How does one become a success in real estate? Conlon shares his insight and advice: MIB: What made you such a success in real estate? Did you just get lucky?

Sean Conlon: People wonder why I’m so obsessive at work and why we have double and triple redundancies. I am the least lucky person you’ll meet. If it can go wrong, it will. I have never been lucky. I work incredibly hard. All the clichés become truer as you get older. You get lucky if you’re in the ring. You have to be up and at it.

Why do you think others should consider investing in real estate?

Real estate is an amazing opportunity [in which] most people who consider themselves ordinary can achieve things on an extraordinary scale. By comparison, I am pretty sure that the two of us have a better chance of being hit by the same meteor than creating Facebook. But real estate still is the land of opportunity, just like America.

In regards to real estate development or flipping, what’s your best piece of advice for someone looking to get started?

Trust but verify, meaning contractor costs and costs of materials. On your first flip, assume that your construction costs will double and the amount of time you estimate for completion will double! That is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but your costs will be way more than you anticipated. Also, be a developer, not a designer. No one cares about your Versace wallpaper!

Can someone be a part-time real estate investor and be successful?

No. To be successful in the industry, like any other, you need to commit 110 percent to the deal. As an investor, no one will treat your money like you will. You need to show up every day!

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/HOME

PHOTO BY POPIO STUMPF PHOTOGRAPHY

Sean Conlon has been called “the embodiment of the American dream” — a determined immigrant who worked tirelessly at two menial jobs before striking it big. Now a multimillionaire, Conlon is the focus of NBC’s “The Deed: Chicago.” The reality show features failing real estate projects, investors facing financial ruin, and Conlon, a real estate mogul who invests his own money in the properties (and offers his expertise in real estate) in exchange for a percentage of profits from the properties’ sales.

NOMINATED FOR 2017 BEST NEW RESTAURANT

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Thanks for voting us Best Boutique - 4 Years!!

2014 | 2015 | 2016

1346 Shermer Road

224.326.2412

www.juniperboutique.com

#BESTOF2017

2017

For the seventh year, our readers have voted for their favorite Chicago-area businesses in 11 categories. But before that, for the first time ever, we asked you to send us your nominations before voting began. We received more than 6,700 nominations!

Now that the votes have been tallied, it’s time to announce our Best of 2017 winners in these categories: Arts & Entertainment Beauty Celebrations Dining Fitness & Recreation Home & Design Kids Pets Philanthropy & Community Shopping Travel

Read more about this year’s winners at MAKEITBETTER.NET/BESTOF2017 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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2017

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

PIZZA

COCKTAILS EVANSTON Ward Eight Owner/head mixologist Cody Modeer knows his stuff, and the speakeasy vibe here is enticing.

WALKER BROS.

BREAKFAST VARIOUS LOCATIONS Walker Bros. Original Pancake House Seven North Shore locations ensure that you’re never far from a Dutch Baby or Apple Cinnamon Pancake. Thank goodness!

CHICAGO Gino’s East Since 1966, the original has been dishing out pan pizza with their signature golden crust to native Chicagoans and visitors alike.

SUBURBS Lou Malnati’s Their signature deep-dish pizza keeps us coming back for more! Bonus: you can ship a frozen one to your college kid.

EDITOR’S PICKS Get your Detroit-style cheesy-crusted pizza fix at Union Squared (Evanston & Chicago); for authentic Neapolitan pizza, it’s hard to beat Spacca Napoli (Chicago).

BBQ

BRUNCH

ASIAN

SUBURBS Hecky’s — Evanston “It’s the Sauce!” And the Rib Tips, and the BBQ Turkey Drumstick, and the Pulled Pork Sandwich…

SUBURBS Peckish Pig — Evanston Brunch with a British flavor, including fresh scones, Kedgeree and Fish & Chips.

Wash it down with a pint of beer brewed on site.

SUBURBS Koi — Evanston Eat your way across China with dishes from eight different regions on the menu. Dim sum brunch on weekends is a must.

CHICAGO The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel A vast array of delectables — from seafood and carving stations to breakfast specialties — awaits you in this spectacular setting.

CHICAGO Duck Duck Goat Iron Chef Stephanie Izard bills her newest place as “reasonably authentic Chinese food” but it’s completely delicious without question.

BURGER

FROZEN YOGURT

CHICAGO Smoque BBQ When a rib joint has a four-page BBQ manifesto, you know you’re in the right place. And that smoked brisket … oh, my!

HECKY’S

GROCERY STORE VARIOUS LOCATIONS Mariano’s They are all about customer service, which makes it a pleasure to shop.

The Vero Coffee & Gelato café inside makes it a necessity.

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CHICAGO Pinkberry With more than three dozen flavors in their arsenal, it’s hard to choose a darling.

CHICAGO Au Cheval The line’s not getting any shorter at this crazy-popular Randolph Street resto, so what’re you waiting for?

CHAIN Shake Shack NYC restaurateur Danny Meyer gave Shake Shack to the world; there are four (so far) in Chicago. Our fave burger: the Smoke Shack.

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PINKBERRY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESTAURANT

SURBURBS Edzo’s Burger Shop — Evanston A must for any serious burger fan, but don’t miss the hand-dipped shakes (Nutella!) and the Garlic Fries.

#BESTOF2017

ITALIAN NICK’S BAR & GRILL

SANDWICHES WILMETTE Nick’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill You love everything that’s between the bread at this neighborhood favorite. Our top pick: the Salmon BLT.

VEGAN/VEGETARIAN EVANSTON Blind Faith Café For more than 30 years, owner David Lipschutz has been serving up the best vegetarian food in the Chicago area.

WINE STORE SKOKIE Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits They’ve got all your party needs covered — from adult beverages to hors d’oeuvres.

CHICAGO Spiaggia The gorgeous renovation a few years ago simply reinforced the cachet of chef/owner Tony Mantuano’s spectacular ristorante.

The Obamas are big fans.

SUBURBS Taco Diablo — Evanston Dan and Laura Kelch’s Taco D rises from the ashes in a big way, and they’ve still got the best margaritas and tequila selection around.

CHICAGO Frontera Grill Thirty years of Frontera and Rick and Deann Bayless aren’t slowing down.

SUSHI

EVANSTON Bennison’s Bakery Specialty doughnuts supplement a generous daily selection. Mark your calendar now for Paczki Day 2018 (Fat Tuesday).

EVANSTON & CHICAGO Coast Inventive maki rolls (try the Sunrise or the Tuna on Top) and beautiful nigiri set this sushi spot apart.

SUBURBS Pete Miller’s — Evanston

Let’s face facts: Chicago is and always has been a red-meat kind of town. These two stalwarts are still your favorites.

SEAFOOD SUBURBS Oceanique — Evanston

CHICAGO Shaw’s Crab House

Both of these aquatic-focused restos have been around awhile, and they’ve still got it!

The key: The seafood is all pristinely fresh, and the preparations are top-notch.

AL FRESCO DINING SUBURBS Found Kitchen and Social House and Five & Dime (TIE) — Evanston

CHICAGO Fig & Olive

Everything tastes better in the great outdoors, especially when the weather is picture perfect. Witty friends and a cold glass of rosé? It doesn’t get much better than that.

FARMERS MARKET EVANSTON Downtown Evanston No trip is complete without a freshly made crêpe or breakfast tacos!

NEW RESTAURANT

FINE DINING

EVANSTON The Barn Amy Morton (Found) hits another home run with this stylish “modern meatery” tucked away in a downtown Evanston alley.

CHICAGO Alinea Three Michelin stars, a James Beard Award and a top-to-bottom remodel later, Grant Achatz’s temple of gastronomy is still on top.

(OPENED SINCE SEPT. 2016)

CHICAGO Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

OCEANIQUE

MEXICAN/LATIN

DOUGHNUTS

STEAKHOUSE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESTAURANT

SUBURBS Campagnola — Evanston Chef Vince di Battista pulls in another win for his consistently fresh and delicious Italian cuisine.

The Pappardelle Bolognese is not to be missed.

CUPCAKES

GIBSONS

CHICAGO Sweet Mandy B’s From Snickerdoodle to Red Velvet to Confetti, their flavors are always on point.

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COFFEE GLENVIEW Glenview Grind It’s good to know that an independent coffee shop can still thrive on the North Shore.

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GLENVIEW GRIND

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2017

continued BAKERY

COOKING CLASSES

SUBURBS Bennison’s Bakery — Evanston CHICAGO Sweet Mandy B’s

WILMETTE Homer’s Ice Cream Eighty years of frozen creamy deliciousness is quite a legacy.

The Fresh Peach is legen … wait for it … dairy.

SWEET MANDY B’S

CHILDREN The Chopping Block

Everyone could benefit from a little help in the kitchen, and cooking classes are a great place to start.

THE CHOPPING BLOCK

BREWERY EVANSTON Temperance Beer Co Evanston’s first brewery opened just four years ago, but it’s made quite a splash. We love the Tap Room, especially on Food Truck days.

2017

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

FAMILY GETAWAY CALIFORNIA Disneyland No trip to Southern California is complete without a visit to the original Disneyland.

Newer attractions feature the Guardians of the Galaxy and a return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

SUBURBS Stone Terrace B & B — Evanston You don’t have to be a visiting Northwestern University parent to take advantage of this stunning refurbished mansion overlooking Lake Michigan.

The ultimate in B & B luxury.

TRAVEL AGENT GLENCOE Lake Shore Travel A past winner, LST is devoted to ensuring you have the best vacation ever — meaning they sweat the details for you.

FLORIDA Walt Disney World One destination + four unique theme parks = nirvana for families.

Whether you favor the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is literally something for everyone.

HOTEL CHICAGO The Peninsula Chicago Our readers have great taste! This ultra-luxurious hotel is all about the guest, from the sumptuously appointed rooms and renowned hospitality to the outrageously delicious cuisine.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

RESORT WISCONSIN Kohler Waters Spa/ The American Club This five-star resort — the ultimate in water spas — is a perennial favorite for our readers, who love the deluxe facilities, indulgent service and the relative proximity to Chicago. Not to mention the world-class chocolatier on site!

KOHLER WATERS SPA

DSNEYWORLD PHOTO BY ERICA BARRACA; PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

ICE CREAM

We loves us some sweets, and these two winning bakeries never disappoint.

Now give us some sugar!

ADULT Sur la Table

#BESTOF2017

2017

BY REBECA BALLESTEROS

A. PERRY HOMES

INTERIOR DECORATOR CHICAGO Ilene Chase Design In 1996, Ilene Chase Design was established and with it plenty of thrilled and satisfied clients. Now, more than a decade later, they continue to provide extravagant and stylish interior designs for all their clientele.

GET DWELL

HANDYMAN WINNETKA Get Dwell Get Dwell offers dependable and professional craftsmanship. With more than 10 years and 4,000 clients worth of experience, Get Dwell doesn’t just get a job done, but gets it done right.

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CHALET NURSERY

LANDSCAPERS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS; GET DWELL PHOTO BY BATTRELL PHOTOGRAPHY

WILMETTE Chalet Nursery Distinguished associations such as the Illinois Landscape Contractors and the Illinois Green Industry have awarded Chalet Landscaping for their ability to recognize and achieve excellence in all aspects of their work. When it comes to exemplary results, Chalet delivers.

HOME FURNISHING/ HOME ACCESSORIES CHICAGO, NORTHBROOK & SKOKIE Crate & Barrel From indoor to outdoor home accessories, Crate & Barrel has what you need to make your house feel more like a home. With more than 400 new product arrivals for the summer, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been looking for and more.

BUILDER WILMETTE A. Perry Homes The search for a brilliant and innovative architecture firm has never been easier. With more than 30 years of experience, A. Perry Homes allows families the opportunity to have the house of their dreams.

FLOORING NORTHBROOK Lewis Floor & Home Whether you need help finding ceramic tiles, carpets or countertops, at Lewis Floor & Home reliable and top-of-the-line service is always a priority.

LEWIS FLOOR & HOME

KITCHEN DESIGN WILMETTE & CHICAGO de Giulio Mick De Giulio has been making kitchen design into a work of art for more than 40 years. If you’re someone who enjoys the finer things in life, then a de Giulio kitchen is a must-have.

#BESTOF2017

2017

BY ANNA CARLSON

WINNETKA The ‘60s Beauty Lash Get long, luscious lashes at this beautiful boutique inspired by the 1960s.

MANI/PEDI CHICAGO & DEERFIELD Red Door Spa This spa offers everything from an Olive Oil Manicure to a Therapeutic Pedicure.

THE PENNINSULA TI

E

HAIR COLOR EVANSTON Aim & Ailie Whether you’re looking for highlights or a completely new look, this hair boutique is the place to go for color.

NORTHFIELD Teddie Kossof Salon You’ll never worry about bad hair days after a visit to this favorite North Shore salon and spa.

BEST FACIAL BEST DAY SPA (SUBURBS) BEST MASSAGE BEST EYEBROW SERVICE DAY SPA (CHICAGO) EVANSTON Egea Spa However you’re looking to be pampered, our readers say this is the best of the best.

BLOW OUT

The Peninsula Spa This spa on the 19th and 20th floors of The Peninsula Hotel Chicago features treatments “inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian philosophies.”

HIGHLAND PARK & WINNETKA BloOuts Treat yourself to a blow out at this repeat winner before your next big event — or for no reason at all!

BLOOUTS

MEN’S SERVICES NORTHBROOK Andreas Hogue Salon Andreas Hogue offers the best in haircuts, color and hair removal.

EGEA SPA

MEDICAL SPA LAKE FOREST Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery and Erase MediSpa This medical spa wins again for its exceptional service and procedures.

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HAIRCUT NORTHFIELD Teddie Kossof Salon Want to chop off all your hair or need a simple trim? Let the master stylists at Teddie Kossof work their magic.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS; THE 60S BEAUTY LASH PHOTO BY CAROLINE WEGENER

THE ‘60S BEAUTY LASH

LASHES

Love Handles?

Handled.

- Up to 24% of Treated Fat Cells Eliminated in 25 Minutes - FDA Cleared Laser Body Contouring - No Surgery. No Downtime. Just Results.

INTRODUCING

Call

847.332.2772 for a Complimentary Consult

Visit www.egeaspa.com for more information Egea Spa | 1521 Sherman Ave Evanston | 847-332-2772 | Dr. Fagman MD

F 2017 BEST Os’ Museum

d Best Ki day Place rth Best Bi

A LOVE OF LEARNING STARTS EARLY. In Kohl Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit Science + You (open through Aug 27), families can enter a child-sized laboratory to explore how scientists impact health and wellness. Explore machines and technology, as you discover why we’re The Place Where Awesome Lives.

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago • 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview • (847) 832-6600 • kcmgc.org

#BESTOF2017

SHOPPING

2017

BY ANNA CARLSON

CONSIGNMENT/THRIFT SHOP GLENCOE North Shore Exchange Not only can you find designer clothes here, but North Shore Exchange has also donated $700,000 to nonprofits since opening in 2013.

MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

GIFTS NORTHBROOK La De Da You’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at this shop. You can even call ahead for suggestions.

CHICAGO & NORTHBROOK REI Whether you’re planning a camping trip or want to start hiking here at home, this is a must-visit store for gear.

SHOPPING CENTER SKOKIE Westfield Old Orchard With over 130 stores, and incredible dining and entertainment options, Westfield Old Orchard is the ultimate shopping experience that offers something for everyone.

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JEWELRY STORE

Tiffany & Co. Our readers are all about that little blue box­— but aren’t we all?

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

BOOK STORE

SPORTING GOODS/ ATHLETIC STORE

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EVENINGWEAR

COSMETICS

CHICAGO, NORTHBROOK & ROSEMONT Saks Fifth Avenue Have a philanthropic gala or wedding to attend? Find your perfect dress at Saks.

CHICAGO, NORTHBROOK & SKOKIE Sephora This store is a beauty guru’s paradise.

EYEWEAR

Spex/MyEyeDr This store carries frames from brands like Balenciaga, David Yurman, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford and more.

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JUNIPER BOUTIQUE

(SUBURBS)

NORTHBROOK The Book Bin This book store has been serving the community since 1971, so check out this local business the next time you’re looking for a good read.

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EVANSTON Christopher Duquet For more than 24 years, this custom jewelry design studio has been creating award-winning pieces customers cherish forever.

(NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE)

CHICAGO Paul Stuart From dress shirts and ties to footwear and belts, you’ll find anything you need to look sharp at Paul Stuart.

LA DE DA

JEWELRY STORE (LOCAL)

NORTHBROOK Juniper Boutique You’ll always find the hottest trends at this beautiful boutique that’s a perpetual reader favorite.

ONLINE SHOPPING Shopbop There’s no need to leave your house to find the perfect outfit thanks to this site.

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE (CHICAGO) Anthropologie Whether you need a dress, top, shoes or accessories, you’ll always find what you’re looking for at Anthropologie.

#BESTOF2017

2017

BY REBECA BALLESTEROS

FLOWERS SUBURBS FlowersFlowers — Evanston This charmingly elegant flower shop offers outstanding floral arrangements featuring flowers from all over the world.

It’s an exemplary place to find the perfect arrangements for your special occasion.

BAND

CHICAGO A New Leaf A New Leaf has been providing clients with breathtaking floral arrangements and displays for more than 30 years.

From exotic flowers to innovative plant presentations, A New Leaf may be the florist of your dreams.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE GLENVIEW Kohl Children’s Museum Kohl’s Children’s Museum has 17 exciting exhibits that allow kids the ultimate hands-on experience.

TEEN BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE

CHICAGO The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago At the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago you can dine while gazing upon the bright lights of the Chicago skyline, or say your vows while surrounded by magnificent works of art.

KATHRYN HASTINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

CHICAGO & NORTHBROOK Pinstripes Pinstripes offers delicious food, an outdoor fire pit and exhilarating games of bowling or bocce.

E

SUBURBS Chicago Botanic Garden — Glencoe Whether you’re walking down the aisle or blowing out candles, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, your special occasion will always be memorable.

TI

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION

EVENT OR WEDDING VENUE

EVANSTON Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra Get ready to hear music that’ll get the party started. The Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra delivers exceptional music from seasoned musicians with incredible talent and expertise.

BRIDAL SHOP

MIRA COUTURE

CHICAGO Mira Couture Mira Couture has the perfect dress that’ll make you even more excited to say “I do.”

MAKEUP ARTIST Elise Brill of Leesi B Cosmetics With more than 20 years of experience, Elise Brill truly turns makeup application into an art form.

EVENT PLANNER

EVANSTON Events by Joey Joey Conway does more than plan.

He creates. Events By Joey brings the fun, excitement and creativity back into event planning.

PHOTOGRAPHER CHICAGO Kathryn Hastings Photography From weddings to anniversaries and birthdays, Kathryn Hastings Photography will capture every unique and important moment.

CHICAGO Reva Nathan and Associates The team at Reva Nathan and Associates treats each client like family. They’ll ensure that every detail of your special occasion is exactly as you’ve dreamed it would be.

CATERER MORTON GROVE Catering by Michael’s Catering by Michaels will make sure your guests receive freshly prepared food and the personal service they deserve.

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2017

MUSEUM (SUBURBS)

MUSIC FESTIVAL

SKOKIE Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center The mission of this museum is to “Remember the Past, Transform the Future.”

CHICAGO Lollapalooza This summer, Lolla will welcome Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper, Lorde and Blink-182, among other musical acts.

LIVE MUSIC VENUE SUBURBS Ravinia — Highland Park Ravinia is North America’s oldest music festival, and a must-visit site every summer.

CHICAGO Grant Park This beautiful park hosts The Grant Park Music Festival and Lollapalooza.

MUSEUM (CHICAGO) / PLACE TO GO ON A RAINY DAY The Art Institute of Chicago An annual reader favorite, there is always something to see or do at this world-renowned museum.

DANCE VENUE CHICAGO Auditorium Theatre This theatre is not only home to Joffrey Ballet, but will also host Dance for Life on Aug. 19 and A Golden Celebration of Dance on Nov. 12.

GLENCOE Anne Loucks Gallery You don’t have to travel far to see some of the best in contemporary American art.

MUSEUM (SMALL) CHICAGO National Museum of Mexican Art Built in the heart of Pilsen, this museum features one of the largest collections of Mexican art in the U.S.

LIVE THEATER SUBURBS Writers Theatre — Glencoe The Wall Street Journal called Writers “America’s No.1 theatre company,” and our readers agree.

CHICAGO Broadway in Chicago Chicago is always treated to the best Broadway shows (see: “Hamilton”) thanks to this group.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

CHILDREN’S THEATER

GLENVIEW Kohl Children’s Museum Let your child’s imagination soar at this museum, which welcomes approximately 330,000 people every year.

CHICAGO Chicago Children’s Theatre This company has been wowing kids and families since 2005.

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ART GALLERY

WRITERS THEATRE

DANCE COMPANY CHICAGO Joffrey Ballet Some of the best ballet in the world can be found here in Chicago (and we can’t wait for “The Nutcracker” to return this holiday season!).

LOLLAPALOOZA

COMEDY VENUE

MUSIC OUTING

CHICAGO Second City This comedy club and theater is second to none.

CHICAGO Chicago Symphony Orchestra This Grammy Awardwinning orchestra performs at both the Symphony Center downtown and fellow Best of 2017 winner Ravinia.

LINCOLN PARKXX ZOO

FAMILY OUTING CHICAGO Lincoln Park Zoo Spend a leisurely day exploring this free zoo, or take advantage of one of the many family programs available.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION; WRITERS THEATRE PHOTO (C) HEDRICH BLESSING; LOLLAPALOOZA PHOTO BY CHARLES REAGAN HACKLEMAN

RAVINIA

BY ANNA CARLSON

#BESTOF2017

2017 CHICAGO SKY

CHICAGO SPORTS EXPERIENCE

CHICAGO SPORTS EXPERIENCE

PLACE TO GO OR THINGS TO DO ON A SUNNY DAY

Chicago Cubs Our readers love cheering on the 2016 World Series Champion (!) Cubs at Wrigley Field.

GLENCOE Chicago Botanic Garden When the weather is right, there’s no better place to be on the North Shore than at Chicago Botanic Garden.

(WOMEN’S TEAM)

(MEN’S TEAM)

Chicago Sky Don’t miss any of the action at Allstate Arena this summer.

2017

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION

BY REBECA BALLESTEROS

SPIN STUDIO

YOGA STUDIO

NORTHFIELD Studio SPIN At Studio SPIN, sweating and burning fat has never been more exhilarating. No more excuses — just amazing results.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS CorePower Yoga With CorePower Yoga, you’ll discover your body is capable of much more than you imagined.

Practice with certified teachers.

ATHLETIC-WEAR STORE VARIOUS LOCATIONS Lululemon Lululemon understands the importance of staying healthy and fit. That’s why they offer various types of athletic wear for yoga, running, swimming and much more.

FLYING FISH

FITNESS CLASSES VARIOUS LOCATIONS Orangetheory Fitness Getting the body you’ve always wanted doesn’t have to be something you do alone. At Orangetheory Fitness, it’s all about working together.

GYM NORTHFIELD MyBody Complex MyBody Complex comes equipped with classes and personal trainers that challenge and help you reach your goals.

CYCLING STORE GLENVIEW Glenview Cycle With 13 years of experience, Glenview Cycle understands the importance of choosing the right bicycle as well as finding the proper equipment for you.

MYBODY COMPLEX

PILATES STUDIO

SWIM SCHOOL EVANSTON YWCA Evanston/Northshore Flying Fish The YWCA Flying Fish are well-known for their phenomenal learn-to-swim program and their skilled Flying Fish swim team, all the while encouraging the positive messages of civil rights and social justice.

WILMETTE Pilates Central When it comes to Pilates Central, an encouraging and welcoming environment is the top priority.

Every class has a limit of six people, providing a personalized experience.

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KIDS CLOTHING

2017

NORTHBROOK Peek-a-Boutique Your child will always be Best Dressed thanks to this boutique.

BY ANNA CARLSON

TOY STORE EVANSTON Becky & Me Toys Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or that hot new toy (hello, Fidget Spinners!), this is the place to go.

BECKY & ME TOYS

EVANSTON Little Beans Café Rain, rain … don’t go away!

You’ll want to spend hours at this indoor playspace and café that’s perfect for kids and parents alike.

LITTLE BEANS CAFÉ

VARIOUS LOCATIONS JCC Day Camps Your child will never be bored when they spend a summer at one of JCC’s many day camps.

THEATER CLASSES EVANSTON Piven Theatre Workshop Your child will develop new skills, learn the ins and outs of acting and get the chance to perform in front of an audience.

PET STORE

PETS

JCC DAY CAMP

NANNY AGENCY EVANSTON North Shore Nannies Find the perfect nanny for your family’s needs with the help of this agency, the oldest in the Chicago area.

THE BARKING LOT

BY ANNA CARLSON

WAGS ON WILLOW

GROOMER NORTHFIELD Wags on Willow This previous winner has a new location, but the same dedication to the care of your furry best friend.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS Bentley’s Pet Stuff Bentley’s is all about giving your pet “the most enriched life possible” through all natural, nutritious food.

PRARIE WOLF DOG PARK

DOG BEACH OR PARK LAKE FOREST Prairie Wolf Dog Park This park features 44 acres of fields, trails and even a pond your dog can swim in.

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HIGHLAND PARK Julie Kaplan Photography Julie Kaplan will snap the perfect photo that you’ll cherish for years to come.

DAY CAMP

OVERNIGHT CAMP WISCONSIN JCC Camp Chi With 600 acres and more than 40 activities, Camp Chi offers a summer experience like no other.

2017

KIDS/FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

PLAYSPACE

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BOARDING CHICAGO & DEERFIELD The Barking Lot Your pup will be well taken care of the next time you head out of town — ­thanks to private spaces, walks three times a day, supervised day care and more.

WAGS ON WILLOW PHOTO COURTESY OF WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; PRARIE WOLF DOG PARK PHOTO BY ERICA BARRACA; PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION

#BESTOF2017

#BESTOF2017

PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY

2017

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

CHICAGO-AREA COLLEGE

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

EVANSTON Northwestern University Location, location, location. The only major university built on the shores of a Great Lake, NU has spent hundreds of millions upgrading the campus in the past five years.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS @properties Innovation has been a focus here since @properties first opened in 2000, as evidenced by their cutting-edge advertising and sales programs. This locally owned business gives back to the community in myriad ways.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION; NORTHWESTERN PHOTO BY RDSMITH4 (OWN WORK) [CC BY-SA 2.5

MISERICORDIA

FUNDRAISER CHICAGO PAWS Fur Ball What could be more awww-inducing than this annual event to benefit PAWS Chicago, an organization committed to building no-kill communities, ending the overpopulation of homeless animals and transforming animal welfare? Not only does it raise money to save homeless pets from kill shelters, but dogs are welcome guests at the event!

PAWS FUR BALL VALLEY LO CLUB

PRIVATE CLUB

FAMILY GIVE-BACK OPPORTUNITY CHICAGO Misericordia This revered home for people with developmental disabilities welcomes families as volunteers for many events, including the Annual Family Fest (Sept. 10 this year) and their Holiday Bakery.

SUBURBS Valley Lo Club ­— Glenview This picturesque club, built alongside a 28-acre lake, is known for its lovely setting, Whether your thing is boating, fishing, golf, swimming or tennis, Valley Lo has it all.

CHICAGO East Bank Club The granddaddy of fitness clubs, Chicago’s movers and shakers were holding court here while you were still learning to do that Jane Fonda fitness tape. So grab a fresh-pressed juice and get to work!

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2017 @properties | Various locations atproperties.com

Chicago Sky | 866.SKY.WNBA sky.wnba.com

A New Leaf | Various locations anewleafchicago.com

Chicago Symphony Orchestra 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago 312-294-3000 | cso.org

A. Perry Homes 220 Washington Ave., Wilmette 847-549-0668 | aperryhomes.com Aim & Ailie | 2907 Central St., Evanston | 847-424-9494 aimandailie.com Alinea | 1723 N. Halsted, Chicago | 312-867-0110 alinearestaurant.com Andreas Hogue Salon 840 Willow Road Suite K, Northbrook | 847-272-1616 andreashogue.com Anne Loucks Gallery 309 Park Ave., Glencoe 847-835-8500 | loucksgallery.com Anthropologie | Various locations anthropologie.com

Christopher Duquet 1224 Chicago Ave. #102, Evanston 847-733-0656 christopherduquet.com Coast Sushi Bar | Various locations | coastsushibar.com CorePower Yoga | Various locations | corepoweryoga.com

Prairie Wolf Dog Park | Entrance: Waukegan Road, south of Old Mill Road and north of Half Day Road, Lake Forest | lcfpd.org

Grant Park | 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago | 312-742-3918 chicagoparkdistrict.com

Lou Malnati’s | Various locations loumalnatis.com

Hecky’s Barbecue 1902 Green Bay Road, Evanston 847-492-1182 | heckys.com

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie 847-967-4800 ilholocaustmuseum.org

MyBody Complex 193 Northfield Road, Northfield 847-461-8942 | mybodycomplex.com

Becky & Me Toys | 620 Grove St., Evanston | 847-492-1030 beckyandmetoys.com

Egea Spa | 1521 Sherman Ave., Evanston | 847-332-2772 egeaspa.com

Bennison’s Bakery 1000 Davis St., Evanston 847-328-9434 | bennisonscakes.com

Elise Brill of Leesi B Cosmetics 847-714-0006 | leesib.com Evanston Farmers Market University Place and Oak Avenue, Evanston | 847-448-8045 cityofevanston.org Events by Joey | Evanston 312-532-0938 | eventsbyjoey.com Fig & Olive | 104 E. Oak St., Chicago | 312-445-0060 figandolive.com Five & Dime | 1026 Davis St., Evanston | 847-869-4343 fiveanddimeevanston.com FlowersFlowers | 1110 Davis St., Evanston | 847-328-7110 flowers-flowers.com

JCC Camp Chi | 847-763-3551 campchi.com JCC Day Camps | 224-406-9242 jccchicago.org Joffrey Ballet | 10 E. Randolph St., Chicago | 312-739-0120 joffrey.org Julie Kaplan Photography 1201 Cambridge Court, Highland Park | 847-681-1522 juliekaplanphoto.com Juniper Boutique 1346 Shermer Road, Northbrook 224-326-2412 juniperboutique.com Kathryn Hastings Photography 847-715-9586 | kathrynhastings.com Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra 1415 Sherman Ave. Suite 101, Evanston | 847-869-8826 arlenmusic.com Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview 847-832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org Kohler Waters Spa/The American Club | Kohler, Wisconsin | 800-344-2838 americanclubresort.com

Catering by Michaels 6203 Park Ave., Morton Grove 847-966-6555 cateringbymichaels.com

Found Kitchen and Social House 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston 847-868-8945 | foundkitchen.com

Koi | 624 Davis St., Evanston 847-866-6969 | koievanston.com

Chalet Nursery | 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette | 847-256-0561 chaletnursery.com

Frontera Grill | 445 N. Clark St., Chicago | 312-661-1434 rickbayless.com

La De Da | 1957 Cherry Lane, Northbrook | 847-562-1170 ladedagift.com

Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe 847-835-5440 chicagobotanic.org

Get Dwell | 1046 Gage St., Winnetka | getdwell.com

Lake Shore Travel 333 Park Ave., Suite 200, Glencoe 847-835-5090 | lakeshoretravel.com

Chicago Cubs | 800-THE-CUBS cubs.com

Mariano’s | Various locations marianos.com

Disney World/Disneyland disneyworld.disney.go.com disneyland.disney.go.com

Edzo’s Burger Shop 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston 847-864-3396 | edzos.com

Chicago Children’s Theatre 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago 773-227-0180 chicagochildrenstheatre.org

lululemon | Various locations lululemon.com

Misericordia | 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago | 773-973-6300 misericordia.com

Auditorium Theatre 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago 312-341-2300 | auditoriumtheatre.org

Campagnola | 815 Chicago Ave., Evanston | 847-475-6100 campagnolarestaurant.com

Lollapalooza | Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago lollapalooza.com

Ilene Chase Design 847-828-0305 ilenechasedesign.com

East Bank Club | 500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago 312-527-5800 | eastbankclub.com

Broadway in Chicago 312-977-1700 broadwayinchicago.com

Glenview Grind 1837 Glenview Road, Glenview 847-729-0111 | glenviewgrind.com

de Giulio Kitchen Design Various locations degiuliodesign.com

Au Cheval | 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago | 312-929-4580 auchevalchicago.com

BloOuts Blow Dry Bar Various locations | bloouts.com

Piven Theatre Workshop 927 Noyes St., Evanston 847-866-6597 | piventheatre.org

Crate & Barrel | Various locations | crateandbarrel.com

Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago 312-443-3600 | artic.edu

Blind Faith Café 525 Dempster St., Evanston 847-328-6875 | blindfaithcafe.com

Little Beans Café Various locations littlebeanscafe.com

Homer’s Ice Cream 1237 Green Bay Road, Wilmette 847-251-0477 homersicecream.com

Duck Duck Goat 857 W. Fulton Market, Chicago 312-902-DUCK duckduckgoatchicago.com

Bentley’s Pet Stuff | Various locations | petstuff.com

Glenview Cycle | 1011 Harlem Ave., Glenview | 847-998-5900 glenviewcycle.com

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse 1028 North Rush St., Chicago 312-266-8999 gibsonssteakhouse.com Gino’s East | Various locations ginoseast.com

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Lewis Floor & Home 1840 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook 847-835-2400 lewisfloorandhome.com Lincoln Park Zoo 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago 312-742-2000 | lpzoo.org

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Mira Couture | 1 E. Delaware Place, Chicago | 312-255-1699 miracouture.com

National Museum of Mexican Art 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago 312-738-1503 nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org Nick’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette 847-251-3262 | nickswilmette.com North Shore Exchange 372 Hazel Ave., Glencoe 847-835-0026 northshoreexchange.org North Shore Nannies 2906 Central St., #208, Evanston 847-864-2424 northshorenannies.com Northwestern University 633 Clark St., Evanston 847-491-3741 northwestern.edu Oceanique 505 Main St., Evanston 847-864-3435 | oceanique.com Orangetheory Fitness Various locations orangetheoryfitness.com Paul Stuart | Various locations paulstuart.com PAWS Fur Ball | pawschicago.org Peckish Pig | 623 Howard St., Evanston | 847-491-6778 | thepeckishpig.com Peek-a-Boutique 2750 Dundee Road, Northbrook 847-272-7133 facebook.com/peekaboutique Pete Miller’s | 1557 Sherman Ave., Evanston | 847-328-0399 petemillers.com Pilates Central 1222 Washington Court, Wilmette | 847-251-1539 pilates-central.indiemade.com Pinkberry | 635 N. State St., Chicago | 312-475-0641 | pinkberry.com Pinstripes | Various locations pinstripes.com

Ravinia Festival | 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park 847-266-5100 | ravinia.org Red Door Spa | Various locations thereddoor.com REI | Various locations | rei.com Reva Nathan & Associates 350 W. Hubbard St. Suite 225, Chicago | 312-644-2644 | revanathan.com Saks Fifth Avenue | Various locations | saksfifthavenue.com Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits | 9965 Gross Point Road, Skokie | 847-677-9463 schaefers.com Second City | Chicago Mainstage: 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago 312-337-3992 | secondcity.com Sephora | Various locations sephora.com Shake Shack | Various locations shakeshack.com Shaw’s Crab House 21 E. Hubbard St., Chicago 312-527-2722 shawscrabhouse.com/chicago Shopbop | shopbop.com Smoque BBQ | 3800 N. Pulaski, Chicago | 773-545-RIBS smoquebbq.com Spacca Napoli 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago 773-878-2420 spaccanapolipizzeria.com Spex/MyEyeDr | Various locations | spexoptical.com Spiaggia | 980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago | 312-280-2750 spiaggiarestaurant.com Stone Terrace Bed & Breakfast 1622 Forest Place, Evanston 847-859-2198 | stoneterracebb.com Studio SPIN 193 Northfield Road, Northfield 888-CYCLE-55 studiospincycle.com Sur la Table | Various locations surlatable.com Sweet Mandy B’s | 1208 W. Webster Ave., Chicago 773-244-1174 | sweetmandybs.com Taco Diablo | 1026 Davis St., Evanston | 847-869-4343 tacodiablo.com Teddie Kossof Salon 281 N. Waukegan Road, Northfield | 847-999-9500 teddiekossof.com

Temperance Beer Co. 2000 W. Dempster St., Evanston 847-864-1000 temperancebeer.com Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery and Erase Med Spa 700D N. Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest | 847-234-2400 terrasse.com The ‘60s Beauty Lash 572A Lincoln Ave., Winnetka 847-807-9311 the60beautylash.com The Barking Lot Various locations barkinglotinc.com The Barn | Rear 1016 Church St., Evanston | 847-868-8041 thebarnevanston.com The Book Bin | 1151 Church St., Northbrook | 847-498-4999 bookbinnorthbrook.com The Chopping Block Various locations thechoppingblock.com The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago | 108 E. Superior St., Chicago | 312-573-6695 chicago.peninsula.com The Peninsula Chicago 108 E. Superior St., Chicago 312-337-2888 chicago.peninsula.com The Peninsula Chicago Spa 108 E. Superior St., Chicago 312-573-6860 chicago.peninsula.com Tiffany & Co. | Various locations tiffany.com Union Squared | Various locations | unionpizza.com Valley Lo Club 2200 Tanglewood Drive, Glenview | 847-729-5550 valleylo.com Wags on Willow 300 Happ Road, Northfield 847-272-2918 wagsonwillow.com Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House Various locations | walkerbros.net Ward Eight | 629 Howard St., Evanston | 847-420-7353 wardeight.com Westfield Old Orchard 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie 847-673-6800 westfield.com/oldorchard Writers Theatre 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe 847-242-6000 writerstheatre.org YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Flying Fish Aquatics 1215 Church St., Evanston 847-864-8445 ywca.org/evanston

Image:leathemphotography.com

2015 | 2016 | 2017

Thank you Voters for 3 Years in a row!

cosmetics

Elise Brill | 847-912-2665 www.leesib.com | leesib@leesib.com

Flawless Makeup Application For All Special Occasions

ilenechasedesign.com ilene@ilenechasedesign.com 847.828.0305

Stoneterracebb.com |1622 Forest Pl. | Evanston | 847.859.2198

THE60BEAUTYLASH.COM (847) 807- 9311

SEE EXQUISITE PERFORMANCES AT CHICAGO’S TOP VENUE FOR DANCE!

SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE JULY 28!

2017–18 SEASON

THANK YOU!

THE THEATRE FOR THE PEOPLE

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AuditoriumTheatre.org 312.341.2300

281 Waukegan Rd., Northfield

Photo of Kathleen Battle. | Ensemble Español’s Bolero, photo by Joe Davis.

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2016

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#DINING

Hot Doug's

STEP UP TO THE PLATE

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

Wrigley Field ups its game with some new culinary contenders — and the crowd goes wild.

BALLPARK FIGURES No trip to the ballpark is complete without at least one hot dog, and friends, the Main Concourse is littered with ‘em.

Along with the Chicago classic (Vienna Beef dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, neon green sweet pickle relish, tomato slices, sport peppers, a dill pickle and celery salt, all on a steamed poppy seed bun), you’ll find Polish and Italian sausages and brats, Gilbert’s Craft Sausages (try the 6 4 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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Caprese, a chicken sausage topped with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella and balsamic glaze), Kosher dogs, and even bison sausages at the High Plains Bison stand. The Sheffield Counter (at the far right end of the Main Concourse) offers dogs with global flavors, like the Pilsen (topped with limecilantro aioli and roasted corn) or the Bao Wao (sriracha aioli, fresh cilantro and mint, pickled carrot and daikon).

WILD PITCH Looking for something a little different? Hang out at abovementioned Sheffield Counter to find dishes like Al Pastor Chicken Tacos, served on soft corn tortillas and topped with pickled red onions, queso fresco, sliced radishes and chopped cilantro. Also worth a second look: the Aloha Chicken Sandwich features a juicy grilled chicken breast topped with sweet chili sauce, grilled pineapple and Asian slaw, all on a toasted Hawaiian roll. And vegans, rejoice, for you’ve not been forsaken. Vegan Chik’n Shawarma is here to pull you up from the depths of your dairy-free despair, loaded into a warm toasted pita with hummus, lettuce, tomato and red onion.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO CUBS/LEVY

In the not-too-distant past, Wrigley Field wasn’t what one would call a culinary oasis. Sure, you could find a solid Chicago-style dog, a bag of peanuts and some lemon ice, but there wasn’t much else to write home about. But things change. Not only are the Chicago Cubs the reigning World Champions — the food at Wrigley is now world class.

Options have expanded dramatically, and you can eat well whether you’re a vegetarian, an epicurean or an encased meats enthusiast. There’s something to please every Cubs fan at a multitude of price points, from the cheap seats in the bleachers to the season ticket holders behind home plate. It’s a whole new ballgame.

#DINING

Celebrity Chef Series (left to right) Jeff Mauro, Matthias Merges, Stephanie Izard, Rick Bayless, Graham Elliot

AUDI CLUB PHOTO BY JULIE CHERNOFF; PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHICAGO CUBS/LEVY

Audi Club

HIGH AND OUTSIDE Some of the most exciting food collabs at Wrigley are happening up in the bleachers, and you can only take advantage of them if you’re a bleacher bum — sorry, lower deck ticket holders, but you’re out of luck! The Cubs have joined forces with Chicago’s favorite sausage savant Doug Sohn, of the late lamented Hot Doug’s, to offer a rotating selection of dogs inspired by Cubs greats. Get your own triple play started with the Joe Tinker (veal saltimbocca sausage with Swiss cheese, crispy onions and sage mustard), then move on to nearby Pork & Mindy’s sandwich emporium, developed by Food Network Star Jeff Mauro. There, you’ll order the Pig Candy BLT, an umami bomb of a sandwich that combines brown sugar-coated bacon, lettuce, tomato, balsamic onions and mayo on a buttery brioche bun. The third (!) stop is the Buona Beef stand, where your Buona Meatball Sandwich — topped with marinara sauce and grated Parmesan, naturally — is waiting for you. Thirsty?

Grab a premium craft beer to wash it down.

TOP OF THE LINEUP For those fortunate enough to have Cubs season tickets, there is the members-and-guests-only Audi Club, located in the southeast corner of Wrigley Field. Within, an eye-popping buffet awaits, a groaning board of delights including a carving station, bountiful salad selection, cheese and fruit bar, and a dessert display to die for (still dreaming of the multi-tiered carrot cake). The a la carte menu includes freshly baked soft Bavarian Pretzels with Beer-Cheese Fondue and a fine Italian

Aloha Chicken Sandwich

Chopped Salad. All food is prepared by Levy Restaurants and is available pre- and post-game.

COB OF CORN This year, Chicago’s Green City Market has opened a satellite location at the new Park at Wrigley, presented by Crate & Barrel. The outdoor market will operate from 4-8 p.m. most Thursday evenings this season, offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses and more. Expect chef demos, Club Sprouts kids’ activities and more.

HEAVY HITTERS The Cubs and hospitality partner Levy have introduced a Rotating Chef Series presented by Maker’s Mark. Topshelf Chicago celebrity chefs are bringing their unique interpretations of ballpark food to a pop-up at the Sheffield Counter on the Main Concourse. Iron Chef/Top Chef Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat, Duck Duck Goat) kicked it off in early June; Matthias Merges (Yusho, A21, Billy Sunday) takes a turn July 4-6 and 7-9. Food Network star Jeff Mauro (Pork & Mindy’s) gets creative with BBQ and sandwiches July 21-25, while Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, XOCO, Leña Brava) brings the (Mexican) heat August 1-6. Chef and TV personality Graham Elliot will close out the program Aug. 14-20 and Aug. 28 – Sept. 3. For the full schedule, go to cubs.com/chefseries.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/DINING J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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CONVITO CAFÉ & MARKET french & italian countryside fare

Thursday night BBQ and plaza concerts through August 3 New Ravinia meals to go

the cafe • Private parties • Full bar

Kids & Gluten free menu • Outdoor dining

the market • The best prepared foods in the area • Bakery • Wines • Cheeses & meats Gourmet groceries • Catering • Gifts

Serving the North Shore for over 37 years 1515 Sheridan Rd, Wilmette • 847.251.3654 • convitocafeandmarket.com convito cafe & market convitocafe

EVANSTON BARBECUE AT IT’S BEST FOR OVER 30 YEARS! FAMOUS RIB TIPS SMOKED RIBS BBQ CHICKEN CLASSIC HOUSE SALAD HOMEADE SWEET POTATO PIE FAMOUS SAUCE! CATERING TAKE OUT & DELIVERY WE SHIP THROUGHOUT THE U.S.

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PRESENTS

UNCORKED, BARRELS BOTTLES JULY 13TH

&

THE CUBE

5-8PM

Enjoy an evening of delicious bites paired with select wine and whiskey spirits, entertainment, swag bags, prizes and more.

Get tickets and details on WestfieldOldOrchardUncorked.eventbrite.com.

Space is limited. Must be over 21 to attend.

# T R AV E L

AROUND THE HORN: VISITING 5 MLB BALLPARKS

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

America’s Pastime rules the summer with this trip to five different Major League Baseball stadiums and the neighborhoods that surround them.

First, an explanation: the baseball term “around the horn” refers to a throwing pattern that happens after a strikeout when there are no runners on base. The sequence is catcher to third base, to second, to shortstop, and then back to the pitcher. That’s five destinations for that baseball. Do you see where I’m going with this? Maybe it’s too much of a (seventh inning) stretch? (If you’re already groaning from the baseball lingo usage, this might not be the vacation for you.)

Let me spell it out further. YOU are that baseball — or at least you could be, for these purposes. Here are five great baseball cities, all with Major League teams, just waiting to be visited by you and your family and friends. We will tell you where to stay, where to eat, and what else to do while you’re there, just in case baseball isn’t enough. And remember, the “Boys of Summer” play through much of October, so you’ve got plenty of time to make it “around the horn” — or in this case, from Boston to Detroit to Cleveland to Minneapolis to San Francisco.

Boston Red Sox Fenway Park sits smack in the Fenway Park, with the Where middle of a very buzz-worthy famous Green Monster to Eat restaurant scene. Tiger Mama (1363 leftfield wall, is a must-visit Boylston St., tigermamaboston.com), on any baseball aficionado’s from “Top Chef” alum Tiffani Faison, bucket list of ballparks. Opened in 1912, brings fresh interpretations to Southeast it is one of only two original stadiums left Asian cuisine, a glorious mash-up of Thai standing (Wrigley Field, built in 1914, is and Vietnamese flavors. The cocktail the other) and still in use. Light towers for program is also on point. Faison also night baseball were installed in 1947 (the owns nearby Sweet Cheeks Q (1381 Cubs lagged a bit behind that particular Nearby hotels include the Hotel Where Boylston St., sweetcheeksq.com), milestone). The fan base extends through to Stay Commonwealth (500 a sassy BBQ joint that’s known for much of New England, and the Yankees What to Commonwealth Ave., their Heritage Breed Pulled Pork and are considered the evil empire. When the Do hotelcommonwealth.com), the Cita’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole.

Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, official hotel of the Boston Red Sox Trays come with your choice of meat, it quenched an 86-year thirst, one of the and only a quarter mile from the park. a hot and cold side “scoop,” pickles and longest “droughts" in baseball — until the The rooms are updated and spacious, onions. More inventive cocktails can Cubs won in 2016 that is. and of course red is a prominent accent be found up the street at Hojoko (1271 color. The Verb Hotel (1271 Boylston Boylston St., hojokoboston.com), an One of America’s smallest ballparks, St., theverbhotel.com) is funky, kitschy, izakaya serving Japanese small plates, Fenway’s capacity is fewer than 38,000. retro and apparently a lot of fun. It’s the sushi and bowls. You’ll also find a great But good things come in small packages. hipster hotel in the Fenway Kenmore burger and the Dogzilla, a bacon-wrapped Tours of “America’s Most Beloved neighborhood. For an added dose of smoked hot dog that is stuffed with Ballpark” ($20 adult/$14 children) are culture, the Museum of Fine Arts (mfa.

American cheese and pickled jalapeño, available year-round but the schedule is org) is only half a mile but a world away drizzled with kabayaki sauce and bonito truncated on game days; individual game from the ballpark, or explore the Fenway flakes, a funky homage to the nearby tickets for 2017 home stands are available ballpark. For classic New England seafood, Victory Gardens (fenwayvictorygardens. at boston.redsox.mlb.com. Word to the org), established in 1942 and part of hit up the Island Creek Oyster Bar (500 wise: Learn the words to Neil Diamond’s Boston’s “Emerald Necklace,” a system of Commonwealth Ave., islandcreekoysterbar.

“Sweet Caroline,” sung during the parks and waterways. Of course, no trip to com) with it’s jaw-dropping raw bar seventh-inning stretch.

Boston is complete without a trot around selection along with the de rigeur Lobster the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half mile Roll, Fried Ipswich Clams and Fish & walk through Colonial American history.

Chips.

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San Fransisco Giants The Giants now call AT&T Park Where not to eat might be a Where their home. The team, once shorter list, but I’ll highlight to Eat known as the New York Giants just a few of the plethora of (and before that, the New York good eats near the ballpark. The Gothams), has been ensconced in Ferry Building is a stop I’ll make the City by the Bay since 1958, and their on every visit, just to eat at perennial Rooh legendary rivalry with the LA Dodgers (once Vietnamese cuisine favorite The the Brooklyn Dodgers) moved west with Slanted Door (slanteddoor.com), them. The park, built in 2000, has incredible where the cellophane noodles with Where We loved The Alise (580 Geary St., to Stay views of the Bay Bridge, not to mention a Dungeness crab are an absolute staypineapple.com), a little jewel box of What to nine-foot statue of Willie Mays to greet you necessity. Hog Island Oyster a hotel near Union Square. They’ve got Do at the park entrance, an 80-foot tall CocaCompany (hogislandoysters.com) complimentary bicycles, plush linens Cola bottle with built-in playground slides, is another can’t-miss meal, with the and bathroom amenities, and they’re dog and, being San Francisco, an awe-inspiring freshest, most delicious bivalves around. friendly. Closer to the ballpark, the W Hotel selection of food, including a culinary Momo’s (760 Second St., sfmomos.com), (181 Third St., wsanfrancisco.com) is a hive teaching garden behind the center-field located directly across from the park, has of good energy and urban hip, plus it’s right wall. Individual game tickets are available at classic salads, pizzas and comfort foods, near the amazing San Francisco Museum sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com. Word to the San Francisco-style (cioppino, Shrimp of Modern Art (151 Third St., sfmoma.org).

Wise: Watch for the kayakers who populate Louie, tuna tartare, meatloaf). For And no visit to San Francisco is complete McCovey Cove during games, hoping to something completely different, Rooh without walking across the Golden Gate catch a long ball flying out of the stadium.

(333 Brannan St., roohsf.com) offers an Bridge, or the eerie tour of Alcatraz. There’s exciting contemporary California take so much more, of course. It’s no wonder that on Indian cuisine.

SF is one of the top tourist destinations in America.

Field of Dreams

Cleveland Indians Cleveland’s Progressive Field, found in the heart of downtown Cleveland, has some of the best ballpark food in Major League Baseball. A dozen local restaurants from around town are represented inside the stadium, ranging from an old-fashioned soda fountain to a modern brew pub, hot dogs and burgers to Mexican food. Originally built in 1994 and known as Jacobs Field, real Cleveland fans still refer to it as “The Jake.” The stadium accommodates a Head to East 4th Street, which is The new Kimpton Schofield Hotel Where little over 35,000 fans, and caters within walking distance of the (2000 E. 9th St., theschofieldhotel.com) Where to Stay particularly to its youngest ones with ballpark. Celebrity chef (and is the hot boutique spot in town, with to Eat What to amenities like the two-story Kids pride of Cleveland) Michael its restored 19th-century brick façade Do Clubhouse, which features a climbing Symon has two spots there: the and modern interior. Just a little down wall, arts and crafts area, batting cage and upscale Lola Bistro (2058 E. 4th St., the block is Metropolitan at the 9 (2017 E. more. Individual game tickets are available lolabistro.com) and the more casual smoked 9th St., metropolitancleveland.com), part at cleveland.indians.mlb.com. Word to the meat emporium, Mabel’s BBQ (2050 E. 4th of The Autograph Collection of Marriott Wise: Pay homage to superfan John Adams, St., mabelsbbq.com). The Butcher & Brewer Hotels, which means boutique flourishes who sits in the upper-left-field bleachers and (2043 E. 4th St., butcherandthebrewer.com), — with Marriott points. The nearby Rock fires up The Tribe faithful at every game with no surprise, is the place for meat and craft & Roll Hall of Fame (1100 Rock and Roll his bass drum. beer, while you’ll find a rooftop patio with a Blvd., rockhall.com) is a must-visit for any great view and killer cocktails at the nearby emerging air guitarist, while Playhouse Greenhouse Tavern (2038 E. 4th Street, Square (playhousesquare.org), America’s thegreenhousetavern.com). second-largest theater district, boasts a wealth of concerts, shows, comedy and dance performances.

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TOP PHOTO BY ANTHONY THORNTON ; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF THISISCLEVELAND.COM/ LARRY E. HIGHBAUGH JR.

Field of Dreams

# T R AV E L

Detroit Tigers Before downtown Detroit Detroit’s Comerica Park Where was inundated by hip and opened in 2000, replacing the to Eat cool upscale restos, a trip to beloved but dilapidated Tiger Greektown was considered Stadium. Located in a rejuvenated the play. The always-packed downtown Detroit, this state-of-the-art Where Detroit has been beset by casino Golden Fleece Restaurant (525 ballpark features a ginormous fountain to Stay hotels. If that’s not your bag, try Monroe St.) is still worth a stop, with behind center field that runs a “liquid What to the Westin Book Cadillac (1114 Do some of the best gyros and souvlaki fireworks” display with synchronized music; Washington Blvd., bookcadillacwestin. in town, but Santorini Estiatorio (501 actual fireworks follow every Friday and com), the grande dame of Detroit hotels, Monroe St., santorinidetroit.com) is a big step Saturday night home game. A 50-foot or the Inn on Ferry Street (84 E. Ferry St., up in terms of service and selection. The Ferris wheel with giant baseball cars and innonferrystreet.com), a series of four fully rustic American cuisine at Republic (1942 a carousel with 30 tigers to ride enhance restored Victorian mansions. Visit the Grand River Ave., republictaverndetroit.com) the carnival atmosphere. Oh, and there’s Joe Louis Monument (aka “The Fist”), a really hits the spot, especially the Charred a baseball game to watch, too! A capacity tribute to the legendary boxing champ and Duck Breast and the Chorizo Shrimp Paella. crowd of 41,299 can really get this place rocking. Individual game tickets are available Or get really fancy and dine at The Apparatus crusader for racial justice, or the 150-yearold Eastern Market (easternmarket.com), Room at the brand-new Foundation Hotel at detroit.tigers.mlb.com. Word to the Wise: the heart of Detroit’s food scene and a (250 W. Larned St., detroitfoundationhotel.com) Wanna fit in? Wear orange and black and remarkable blend of old and new. and remind yourself why chef Thomas rock out to the Tiger’s unofficial anthem, Lents, late of Chicago’s Sixteen, earned Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City.” two Michelin stars.

Field of Dreams

Minnesota Twins Target Field, located in the Where Since Target Field is located Boutique hotels are a respite from to Stay Where historic Warehouse District of in the downtown area, good the sometimes cold and corporate to Eat What to downtown Minneapolis, opened food choices are plentiful, old standards. Two cases in point: Do in 2010, and it’s an excellent and Minneapolis has gotten a A renovated old warehouse has example of a thoroughly modern reputation as a solid restaurant town. become the beautiful Hewing Hotel (300 stadium. It’s one of the most accessible Isaac Becker, the James Beard AwardWashington Ave., hewinghotel.com), located parks in MLB, and features exceptional winning chef/owner of 112 Eatery (112 N. just a few blocks from the ballpark, while lighting, sight lines and concessions. The 3rd St., 112eatery.com) is a big reason why. the Kimpton Grand Hotel Minneapolis inclusion of the original Metropolitan His inventive take on global cuisine makes (615 2nd Ave. S., grandhotelminneapolis.

Stadium flagpole on Target Plaza keeps reservations here a tough ticket to get. com) touts its “100-year-old spirit and the fans in touch with Twins history, as do Head to Smack Shack (603 Washington modern-day spunk.” For fun, check out the murals of Twins greats Rod Carew and Kirby Ave., smack-shack.com), known for their Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Place, Puckett. Kids under 14 can run the bases lobster rolls and crabcakes, to assuage walkerart.org), a world-class art museum after every Sunday home game. Individual your serious shellfish cravings. The with a sizeable urban sculpture garden, or game tickets are available at minnesota.

Butcher & The Boar (1121 Hennepin perhaps the creatively and architecturally twins.mlb.com. Word to the Wise: Wait for Ave., butcherandtheboar.com) is a meatastonishing Guthrie Theater (818 S. 2nd St., a home team four-bagger to see the center centric, shared-plate concept with guthrietheater.org). They'll be presenting a field Minnie and Paul celebration board — a spot-on craft cocktails, while City Works gorgeous production of Sondheim’s “Sunday giant light-up sign shaped like Minnesota Eatery & Pour House (600 Hennepin Ave., in the Park with George” this summer, with two old-style Twins players that shake cityworksrestaurant.com) is not your average perfect after a day in the sun. Culture is hands — in action. sports bar — they focus on craft beers (120 fundamental! global offerings on tap) and upscale bar food.

TOP PHOTO BY VITO PALMISANO; BOTTOM PHOTO BY WAYNE KRYDUBA, MLB, COURTESY OF MEET MINNEAPOLIS PHOTOGRAPHER

Field of Dreams

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PERCEPTION

No.

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No matter what your perceptions of moving are, we can help make the reality so much nicer. To learn more, visit presbyterianhomes.org/perceptions. It may just change your mind about moving.

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#TRANSITIONS

CHANGE for the BETTER

BY BROOKE MCDONALD

Life is marked by transitions, large and small — from marriage, a new baby or the first day of school or a new job, to another birthday (and a new wrinkle, ache or pain, or a little extra forgetfulness along with it), or yet another curveball thrown at you by a new phase in your child’s life (threenagers, anyone?). Living better means embracing life’s changes and celebrating them, even when that means getting older and saying goodbye to a cherished time. For help navigating life’s changes, read on for everything from better beauty at every age, to the best foods to keep your brain sharp, to creating spaces in your home that support those little transitions (like getting out the door!), to our annual Senior Living Directory, where you can find the right facilities for yourself or a loved one as you age. For even more help, head to makeitbetter.net/transitions for all you need to know about aging well, parenting through difficult times, maximizing your child’s education at every stage, and more.

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#HOME

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#HOME

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

BY MEGAN CRAIG

Every parent knows there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

In fact, a recent Pew Research Center poll found that 40 percent of working mothers and 34 percent of working fathers with children under age 18 said they always feel rushed. How to cope? Get organized, particularly as the school year begins.

Pinterest is full of cute ideas to declutter small parts of the house, but with working parents already feeling the grind, setting aside time to organize via the DIY-crafts route may not be the best way to go. That strategy leaves plenty of room for half-finished organizing projects, which of course defeats the purpose entirely.

Set your busy family up for success this school year with a few of these fully redone, well-organized, kid-friendly spaces.

“LAUNCH PAD”/MUDROOM With the start of school comes all the equipment — backpacks, binders and notebooks, to start — that keeps children organized at school. Add to that some sports gear, coats and boots, and your back entryway could become a disaster area.

Instead, introduce a “locker system” to organize your mudroom into a “launch pad,” suggests Ann Schref, associate manager with Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design in Chicago.

PHOTO BY KITCHENLAB DESIGN

These aren’t lockers in the traditional sense, but rather built-in cabinets or freestanding shelves that can be designed to fit the style of the home. Using wood tones that match the wood in the next room (often a kitchen) can pack a stylistic punch and make the space look finished rather than cluttered, Schref says. She also recommends putting in a bench where children can don boots and coats and have “dedicated space to get ready.”

Longtime Make It Better writer Lisa Zimbler worked with five-time “Best Of” Best Builder winner A. Perry Homes to create the perfect mudroom in her Glenview home.

“We designed the room to be both aesthetically pleasing as well as a functional space for storage,” Zimbler says.

“Everyone has a cubby for their coats and shoes, and there are plenty of additional cabinet spaces to store cleaning and laundry supplies.”

Rebekah Zaveloff, co-founder and director of design A multi-functional workspace off the kitchen can act as the perfect homework hub.

for KitchenLab Design in Chicago, takes another tack: Create an organized space in the mudroom area that goes beyond the traditional drop-your-stuff-here attitude.

“We try to figure out the best use for an old space to create spaces that are a little more integrated and attractive and sort of multi-use,” Zaveloff says.

Yes, keep the cubbies and hooks, but add lots of drawers, perhaps for crafts if the room is big enough. Less-used outdoor equipment could hide behind a custom door.

But, most importantly, “don’t underestimate the power of a simple bench that you can kick all your shoes under,” Zaveloff says. “It can be a lifesaver.”

An important tip from Zeveloff: Keep your front entryway in mind as you design your mudroom space. Remember, most guests will use that area to enter the home, so it should have an organized put-your-things-here space as well, to avoid overloaded coat trees and guests’ shoes strewn about.

HOMEWORK HUB Creating a dedicated homework space could mean the difference between success and struggle for some students. According to a 2015 study by the University of Salford in Manchester, England, environmental factors including lighting, temperature, and space customization can make a big difference in student performance.

So, instead of having the kids work from their bedrooms or at the kitchen table, take a corner of the house and make a space specifically for homework and projects.

Schref says her clients often want two things from their desk space: uncluttered computer/paperwork area and hutch storage above the desk.

“Things don’t have to be super organized, but can be more categorized — a place for writing implements, another for paper — so it’s not as structured,” Schref says.

“But parents will like that because everything will look neat and tidy.”

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Everyone has their own cubby for easy grabbing and going in this form-meetsfunction mudroom by five-time Make It Better Best Builder winner A. Perry Homes.

Putting a bench with shoe storage in the mudroom allows for easy organization, as well as a place to comfortably don boots and coats.

A dedicated desk space with plenty of cabinet storage as well as room for a computer and paperwork can help kids focus on their homework in a structured environment.

computer, laptop, iPad, phone and e-book), as well as baskets and drawers for storage and a dedicated file area to keep kids’ various homework assignments and projects organized.

Horizontal surface is important, of course, to allow room for electronics, books and writing space.

If it’s possible, position this space so it’s not far from an adult’s evening recreation area, perhaps in a corner of or just outside a multipurpose room. That way, the parent can be in the room reading or quietly watching television while the student is in that space doing homework.

“NERVE CENTER” As school — and life in general — becomes more techfocused, areas formerly known as “message centers” or “mail zones” are transitioning as well. While these areas are still positioned near the most-used entryway to the home and include places for keys, mail and (now much rarer) phone messages, these spaces now should act as “nerve centers,” or charging stations, says Zaveloff.

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“Whether it’s a table at the entry or some area that’s designated for it in the mudroom or kitchen, just be really strict about it” to keep clutter off other horizontal spaces and ensure you can always find your keys, wallet, phone and other important take-along items, Schref says. “Hold firm to that space and it will be very beneficial.”

READING NOOK Is your formal living room used twice a year and otherwise ignored to collect dust? Consider turning it into a reading room, Schref advises. “Do bookcases across the back wall with a cozy reading area, ottoman, small sofa — it can be a library,” she says. “That ignored room, we’re seeing transformation of that space from formal to more of a reading nook area.”

Despite a trend toward e-readers, people still have a lot of books, Schref says. Instead of letting those clutter other areas of the home, put them in an order of your choosing on large shelves in that room, then add a few photos, some art, or a couple of family treasures. Creating a comfortable sitting room that’s not focused on the television may encourage children to read more during the school year.

“That’s one way for family to take back that area,” Schref says.

“People are taking their square footage seriously, and want to make each space very usable in their homes.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/HOME

TOP LEFT PHOTO BY MATT MANSUETO PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHER PHOTOS BY KITCHENLAB DESIGN

the cabinet, placed close enough to the door that it would be relatively easy to run back into the house to grab your keys or phone should you leave them by accident.

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# F A M I LY

Time to Hire a Tutor?

BENEFITS AND PITFALLS OF ACADEMIC HELP

BY S U S A N PA S T E R N A K

Years ago when I was a tutor for middle school and high school students, and before I had children of my own, I formed all sorts of opinions about the circumstances in which I would and would not hire a tutor for my own children. Fast forward 14 years and I’ve become a lot more flexible in my thinking and empathetic to any parental decision that brings peace to a home that has become consumed with ongoing battles over homework and grades.

Someone who can teach my child study skills? Someone who can help with higher-level math than I’m capable of doing, let alone teaching (that would include my fifth grade twins’ current math assignments)? Someone who can boost my freshman struggling to juggle sports, a social life and rigorous academics? Sign me up!

We’re fortunate in this area to have a wealth of resources, from in-home tutors, to tutoring centers and specialized content-area programs such as Mathnasium (mathnasium.com). Finding the right tutoring model for your child should be a collaborative process, involving parents, the child, and teacher input. Ideally, a tutor should be someone who can address content knowledge, executive functioning skills (i.e. organization, note-taking, study habits), and be an educational mentor.

“When you do all three of those things, then you’re making a real educational impact on a child,” says Matthew Pietrafetta, Ph.D. founder of Academic Approach (academicapproach.com), which specializes in one-on-one preparation for standardized tests, but also provides tutors for academic subjects. “One-on-one tutoring is personalized and it’s a tremendous opportunity and a real honor to fill in gaps and to model methods in a way that classroom teachers might love to do, but don’t always have the time to do.”

Often a student operates on a high level in school — they have superior executive functioning skills and are academically motivated — but struggle with a particular concept or curriculum.

In that instance, a specialized tutoring center might be the best fit for that student’s needs. Mathnasium is one such example. With some 762 locations around the world, it provides experienced math tutors who use proprietary teaching materials and techniques to deliver a customized learning plan for each student.

Most tutors and tutoring services will do an initial intake meeting with the student and parents to assess the student’s needs, goals and personality. Some services such as Academic Approach and Mathnasium have the student take a diagnostic test to better ascertain where the academic gaps might be in content areas.

“At Mathnasium, we are looking for the gaps in learning,” says J. Steve Santacruz, managing director of seven Mathnasium franchises in the Chicago area and Orange County, California. “If you haven’t understood the foundation, you’re not going to 7 6 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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understand material going forward. We’re going to test you on everything you should’ve learned and figure out what’s missing. We spend a good portion of time fixing the building blocks of learning.”

Experts say parents should be weary of a tutor who promises too much, too quickly. Learning is a process and a trusted tutorstudent relationship is often one that takes some time to develop.

One of the worst outcomes is for a tutor to essentially do the work of the student.

“Essentially, my mission is to write myself out of a job,” Pietrafetta says. “I’m here to cultivate independence. The opposite of doing the work for the student is teaching the student to have independent problem-solving skills and teaching them to transfer those skills to novel problems. When in doubt about the quality of a tutor, a first stop can be to check if the tutor is certified by the National Tutoring Association (ntatutor.com), although many high-quality tutors are not certified.

Many parents, like myself, often wait until an academic “crisis” before then scrambling to find a tutor to plug a hole. Tutoring experts say it’s best to be proactive, especially in cases where the student might lack organizational skills or academic confidence.

“If, as a parent, you’re waffling, maybe you want to try it — and sometimes having a tutor will help the student perk up,” says Laura Horowitz, owner of the local territory of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors (collegenanniesandtutors.com), a national organization with 130 territories in 30 states that provides inhome tutors and has its own learning centers. “Better not to have to dig out of a hole that the student has gotten into.”

Schools often have their own peer-to-peer tutoring centers, where students can go during free periods or study halls to find academic support. Similarly, some schools have learning centers where local volunteers provide one-on-one help for students. A Department of Education study found that students with below-average reading skills who are tutored by volunteers show significant skills gains when compared with similar students who don’t receive tutoring from a high-quality tutoring program.

Summer is often an ideal time to start working proactively with a tutor, whether to remediate issues in a subject in which a student struggled, prepare for standardized tests, or enroll at a tutoring center to get a “preview” of what’s to come in the fall.

“The other part is the infamous summer slide,” says Santacruz.

“The nice thing about staying in any education in the summer is the brain is still working and we want to keep the brain working.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/EDUCATION

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#FINANCE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT END-OF-LIFE DOCUMENTS

BY SHANNAN YO U NGER

Life is full of changes, good and bad, and often people don’t realize the implications these changes may have on them or their loved ones when facing a medical emergency or death. The truth is, these life events should trigger discussions and document drafting or review.

End-of-life documents allow people to express their wishes for how their health care and property will be handled in the event of a medical emergency or death. We asked experts what life events should trigger discussions and may impact end-of-life documents.

Turning 18 Many teenagers happily celebrate becoming a legal adult, and parents celebrate getting their kids to that milestone. However, neither kids nor parents give much thought to what that change in status means should that newly minted adult have a medical emergency. HIPAA laws and other privacy protections mean that parents are limited in what they can do for their young adult should they need medical treatment. Young adults should complete a Power of Attorney for Health Care stating whom they want to be in charge of their medical care should they become too ill or injured to make health care decisions for themselves.

“It’s especially good for college students to have,” says journalist Randi Belisomo, co-founder of Life Matters Media, a resource for all stakeholders in end-of-life planning and decision making. After the death at age 36 of her husband and fellow journalist, Carlos Hernadez Gomez, Belisomo founded Life Matters Media to help people discuss and address end-oflife decisions.

“It is a form, and it’s not hard to complete. When done properly, it’s clear what your wishes are and who the agent is,” says Belisomo. She adds that young adults should include what they want done should they sustain a traumatic brain injury.

“When it comes to picking an agent, the number one thing other than understanding your goals and values is that they need to be accessible,” says Belisomo, noting that many people under age 40 don’t answer phone calls from unknown numbers. “The ER is not going to text a health care agent. Make sure they are easy to get a hold of.”

as investments. Doing so can be overwhelming. Often what falls through the cracks is designating a beneficiary for those accounts in the event of the death of the owner.

“It’s not uncommon for accounts to [lack] beneficiaries, but not having one is a mistake,” says C.J. Jensen, CFP, CPA, managing director of Jensen and Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial in Chicago. When it comes to naming a beneficiary, it’s a myth that it must be only one person.

Account holders may designate more than one person and allocate certain percentages to each. Also, beneficiaries need not be people.

Charitable organizations may be named as beneficiaries, either alone or in combination with individuals. On brokerage accounts, pay attention to the transfer on death provision. “If you don’t name that, the account becomes part of your estate and has to flow through probate like your other assets. If you name a transfer on death for brokerage accounts that are not retirement accounts, that supersedes your will,” Jensen explains.

“You should have a communication with whomever your beneficiary is, so they are aware. If you do designate a charity, you want to notify it as well. The charity may have a planned giving department or a form you need to fill out, and someone there needs to know to reach out in the event that it’s necessary,” Jensen advises. He recommends reviewing beneficiaries on an annual basis, and notes, “It really doesn’t take much time to review it, and a periodic review makes sure your wishes are still reflected.”

He also stresses the importance of including a financial adviser to weigh in on end-of-life decisions regarding financial accounts, noting the different ramifications that come with leaving money to individuals, trusts and charities. “You need to think of tax implications and the tax burden that you are putting on the person inheriting the money,” he says.

The Commission on Law and Aging of the American Bar Association offers a guide called “Giving Someone a Power of Attorney For Your Health Care,” which includes a multi-state form.

“Everybody, regardless of their age, needs to have current powers of attorney, for health care as well as property, which includes finances,” says Kristi Vestri , an attorney who has served on the board of directors of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Social Media Eight-six percent of those who have a will indicate they have digital assets, but less than 13 percent of those have indicated what should happen with their social media accounts, computer files, and other items that fall under the category of digital assets, according to a survey by Rocket Lawyer. You can and should state how you want those digital assets managed as part of your will, and you should also appoint a digital executor.

Setting Up Financial Accounts Young adults starting their careers set up a variety of financial accounts, including bank, retirement, and life insurance, as well

Getting Married In the midst of planning a wedding and forging a new life together, dealing with end-of-life documents can seem like a buzzkill, but you

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still need to do them. In addition to adding beneficiaries, this is a good time to address advance directives, which can include any combination of living will, power of attorney, and the Five Wishes collection by Aging with Dignity, which meets the legal requirements in 42 states.

While many people give their spouse powers of attorney, it’s not a requirement. “You want someone who can carry out decisions well in a time of stress,” says Belisomo, noting that some people don’t want to pick their spouse because they don’t wish to give them that burden during an exceptionally difficult time.

Having Children Naming a guardian who will be responsible for your child(ren) should you die or become unable to care for them can be done in a will, but first, make sure the individual named as guardian is willing and able to serve in that capacity. It’s important to make sure that it is properly executed and that those named as guardian have a copy and know how to access the original document. Should there be a child with special needs, that should be taken into consideration when handling estate planning. “Special needs planning is really important, and there are special rules that go along with that,” stresses Vestri, and adds that parents of children with special needs should consider establishing a third-party special needs trust for their child.

The End of a Marriage The end of a marriage, either as a result of death or divorce, involves grief and paperwork. People sometimes forget that they also need to change their own existing paperwork. Forgetting to change a named beneficiary from someone who is now a former spouse is a common mistake, according to Jensen. “Always, always review your advance directives if there are any changes in your life, and especially if a spouse dies or you get a divorce,” says Belissomo. All other documents also need to be updated.

Diagnosis of a Spouse A spouse being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia is another reason to revisit various documents and make sure that the individual will be cared for. The healthy spouse will want to provide for their partner in the event that the healthy spouse dies first. Vestri says that a revocable trust converted into supplemental trust allows the trustee to provide for what public assistance doesn’t, noting that public aid pays for only basic necessities. In addition to making sure an ill spouse is provided for, it is also a time to revise documents that name them as a decision maker, agent or executor if they are no longer capable of serving in those roles.

Personal Diagnosis Belisomo advises those who are seriously ill, elderly and frail to complete the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm Form. It is a medical order, not advanced directive, and is based on conversations between patients and health care professionals about goals of care, quality of life, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.

“You are mostly likely to receive end-of-life care that aligns with your preferences if you are in the POLST program,” says Belisomo.If the Five Wishes Form, which was inspired by Mother Theresa and her home for the dying in India, has not yet been completed, it is worth doing after a diagnosis. Belisomo recommends it, explaining, “It’s a wonderful way to discuss things that matter to you beyond health care preferences at end of life. It’s the most human-advanced directive because it gets into details of how we want to be cared for and how we want to be loved.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/FINANCE

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# H E A LT H

THE BEST FOODS FOR BOOSTING BRAINPOWER B Y B R I T TA N Y A N A S

You know carrots are great for your eyes and that milk does wonders for your bones. But what foods are best for boosting your brainpower?

A diet with nutrient-rich foods can do wonders for your brain, improving your decision-making and problem-solving skills, as well as sharpening your focus and boosting your memory, explains Matthew Kuchan, Ph.D., lead scientist and resident nutrition and brain health expert at Abbott, a global healthcare company located in North Chicago.

That means what you pack your kids for lunch can help their developing minds absorb more at school. And, with a little finetuning, your family’s dinners can be packed with foods that have antiaging properties that can help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s.

We asked experts to dish the best foods for our brains. Here are their nine top recommendations.

Leafy green vegetables: To be more precise, zone in on dark green veggies like broccoli, cabbage and kale, according to Registered Dietitians Kerry Clifford and Meghan Daw, who work with Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market. These foods contain carotenoids and flavonoids, antioxidants that help promote brain function, memory and attentiveness, they explain. You can make a cabbage or broccoli slaw as a side dish to sneak more of these leafy greens into your family’s diet, suggests Clifford, also the 2017 Vice President for the Chicago Food and Nutrition Network.

Eggs: Two nutrients that combine and act as a superhero duo?

Lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients can help improve your memory at any age, according to Kuchan’s research, which he conducts through the Center for Nutrition Learning and Memory, a partnership between Abbott and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Among the studies that have come out of the partnership is one that shows seniors who consume more lutein are better able to retain and use information they’ve acquired throughout life. Lutein and zeaxanthin are especially prevalent in those leafy green veggies that we already touched on (yet, another reason to get another serving of those collards or spinach), but you can also find them in eggs.

Seafood: Maybe you do a #MeatlessMonday. How about preceding it with a #SeafoodSunday? Specifically, anchovies, herring, mackerel, Pacific oysters, sablefish, salmon, sardines, swordfish and trout are the best types of seafood for your brain because they’re especially 8 0 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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rich in omega-3s. “In short, seafood is brain food,” says Gretchen Vannice, RDN, and an unpaid member of the Scientific & Nutrition Advisory Council for Seafood Nutrition Partnership. Vannice says a significant body of evidence shows omega-3 can be a boon for memory, fighting depression and even reducing headaches.

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are healthy, essential fats that naturally occur in seafood. DHA, Vannice explains, is essential in infant development. She points to a study that found toddlers whose mothers had higher DHA blood levels at delivery were able to maintain better focus when compared to their peers whose mothers had lower DHA levels. Another study shows that teenagers who consume omega-3s have less anxiety before tests, Vannice says.

“People who eat fish over their lifetime have better cognitive function as they age,” she says.

Seafood is a fan favorite among dietitians. Rima Kleiner, R.D. and blogger at “Dish on Fish,” says we should be eating seafood two to three times per week, a recommendation backed up by the 20152020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Megan Casper, a registered dietitian nutritionist and writer for “Nourished Bite,” says salmon is one of the best sources for longchain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. “These fats are considered essential, since your body can’t make them, and they’re linked to all sorts of amazing health benefits,” she says. “Diets high in EPA and DHA can decrease inflammation and oxidation in the brain, which helps reduce memory loss as well as anxiety and depression.”

Nuts and seeds: Both nuts and seeds are great sources of vitamin E, says Rene Ficek, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the lead nutrition expert for Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating. Research has found that higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you age, Ficek says. But an important reminder: Nuts and seeds are high in calories, so portion control should be exercised, she says. She recommends an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed or un-hydrogenated nut butters — all of which will give you enough vitamin E. As an added bonus, nuts are a natural mood booster, Ficek says.

Tomatoes: Evidence suggests lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free

radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s, says Ficek. “Keep in mind that the lycopene found in tomatoes is only available to our bodies if tomatoes are cooked,” she says. The idea here? Turn fresh tomatoes into tomato sauce or tomato soup, or a juice that has been heated, Ficek says.

Citrus fruits: These fruits are high in vitamin C, explains Caroline Apovian, M.D., and the director of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center at Boston Medical Center. We know that vitamin C is great for the immune system, but Apovian says it can also defend the brain against oxidative stress.

“Some studies also suggest that vitamin C deficiency may contribute to cognitive decline in the elderly,” she says. “Your body cannot produce vitamin C on its own; it must be consumed through food.”

Blueberries: Research suggests that the flavonoids found in blueberries may improve memory, learning, reasoning skills, decisionmaking and verbal comprehension, says Jennifer Markowitz, R.D., and clinical dietitian at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “The fresher the food, the more powerful its functional nutrients,” she says.

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Dark chocolate: Eating 1/2 to one ounce of dark chocolate a day can deliver a beneficial dose of antioxidants that may slow down the aging process of the brain, says Markowitz.

“For the short-term, dark chocolate contains natural stimulants that can enhance focus and concentration,” she says.

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The MIND Diet: While the Alzheimer’s Association doesn’t recommend a “specific food” for boosting brainpower, there are different clinical studies being conducted on nutrition and the effects of cognitive decline, explains Terrianne Reynolds, director of medical research and activities at the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter. Among them is research surrounding the MIND Diet at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, developed by Rush nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, Ph.D., and her colleagues. The diet has 10 brain-healthy food groups: green leafy vegetables, other veggies, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine. The unhealthy groups are: red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets and fried or fast food. A recent study showed the MIND diet lowered the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 53 percent in those who followed it closely and by about 35 percent in those who followed it moderately.

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SENIOR LIVING DIRECTORY

A-Abiding Care, Park Ridge, 847-698-1400, aabidingcare.com

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Alden Courts of Des Plaines, 847-294-0644, aldencourtsofdesplaines.com

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Phys ical T hera py Relig ious Serv ices Rest aura nt-S tyle Dinin Shor g t Ter mC are Spee ch a nd Occ upat /or iona l The rapy Tran spor tatio n Se rvice s

Name/Location

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libra ry

Find the right Chicago-area assisted living facility, retirement community, nursing home facility, continuing care facility or home health and hospice facility for you or your loved ones.

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Alden Des Plaines, 847-768-1300, aldendesplaines.com

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Alden Estates of Barrington, 847-382-6664, aldenestatesofbarrington.com

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Alden Estates of Evanston, 847-328-6000, aldenestatesofevanston.com

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Alden Estates of Skokie, 847-676-4800, aldenestatesofskokie.com

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Alden Gardens of Des Plaines, 847-294-0644, aldengardensofdesplaines.com

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Alden Long Grove, 847-438-8275, aldenlonggrove.com

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Alden North Shore, Skokie, 847-679-6100, aldennorthshore.com

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Arden Courts of Northbrook Memory Care Community, Northbrook, 847-795-9000, arden-courts.com/Northbrook

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Bella Terra, Morton Grove, 847-965-8100, bellaterramortongrove.com

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Belmont Village of Glenview, 847-657-7100, glenview.belmontvillage.com

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Brentwood Nursing, Riverwoods, 847-947-9000, brentwoodnorthrehab.com

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Broad Street Home Care, Wilmette, 847-728-0134, broadstreethomecare.com

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Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes, Vernon Hills, 847-440-5247, brookdale.com

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Chestnut Square at The Glen, Glenview, 847-998-1118, chestnutsquare.info Covenant Village of Northbrook, 847-480-6380, covenantnorthbrook.org

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Brookdale Northbrook, 847-440-3775, brookdale.com Brookdale Vernon Hills, 847-440-3766, brookdale.com

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Crestwood Place, Northbrook, 847-272-5050, northbrook.il.us

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Freedom Home Care, Highland Park, 847-433-5788, freedomhomecare.net

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Friendship Village, Schaumburg, 847-884-5000, friendshipvillage.org

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Glenview Terrace, 847-729-9090, glenviewterrace.com

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Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre, Wheeling, 847-459-8700, greekamericancare.org

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Grosse Pointe Manor, Niles, 847-647-9875, grossepointemanor.com

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*Contact each facility for the most up-to-date offerings.

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Name/Location

Phys ical T hera py Relig ious Serv ices Rest aura nt-S tyle Dinin Shor g t Ter mC are Spee ch a nd Occ upat /or iona l The rapy Tran spor tatio n Se rvice s

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libra ry

Senior Living Directory, continued

Hallmark Homecare, Northbrook, 847-446-5050, hallmarkhomecare.com/chicago

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Highland Park Memory Care Community, 224-217-9235, silveradocare.com

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Home Instead Senior Care, Northbrook, 800-640-3914, homeinstead.com

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JourneyCare Marshak Family Hospice CareCenter, Glenview, 800-640-3914, journeycare.org

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Lake Forest Place, Lake Forest, 888-570-3613, lakeforestplace.org

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Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation, Skokie, 847-374-0500, liebermancenter.net

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LivHOME, Skokie, 800-807-5854 livhome-chicago.com

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Lutheran Home, Arlington Heights, 847-368-7400, lutheranhome.org

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Luther Village, Arlington Heights, 847-506-1919, luthervillage.com

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ManorCare Libertyville, 847-816-3200, hcr-manorcare.com

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ManorCare Northbrook, 847-795-9700, hcr-manorcare.com

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Mather Place of Wilmette, 847-256-9300, matherplaceofwilmette.com North Shore Place, Northbrook, 224-534-6640, seniorlifestyle.com North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, 847-784-6000, nssc.org

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Orchard Park Memory Care Community, Morton Grove, 866-522-8125, silveradocare.com

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Presence Maryhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Glenview, 866-522-8125, presencehealth.org

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Presence Resurrection Nursing and Short-Stay Rehabilitation Center, Park Ridge, 847-692-5600, presencehealth.org

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Radford Green at Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire, 847-901-3319, RadfordGreen.com

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Rainbow Hospice Ark, Park Ridge, 847-692-8899, rainbowhospice.org

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Right at Home of North Suburban Chicago, Northbrook, 847-374-8400, rightathomensc.com

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Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes (SASI), Evanston, 847-864-7274, sasiathome.org

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Sunrise of Wilmette, 847-256-1600, sunriseseniorliving.com

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The Abington of Glenview, 847-729-0000, theabington.com *Contact each facility for the most up-to-date offerings.

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Suncrest Hospice, Skokie, 847-983-0017, suncrestcare.com

Ten Twenty Grove, Evanston, 877-959-7022, tentwentygrove.org

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Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire, 847-876-2100, welcometosedgebrook.com

Summit of Uptown, Park Ridge, 847-825-1161, summitofuptown.com

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We are

THE SHERIDAN AT GREEN OAKS

READ MORE OF OUR GUIDES ONLINE! HOW TO RAISE MORE MONEY FOR YOUR FAVORITE NONPROFIT GUIDE makeitbetter.net/pg GREAT HEALTH AT EVERY AGE A Decade-by-Decade Guide to Living Your Healthiest Life makeitbetter.net/healthy BETTER TRAVEL GUIDE Curated Recommendations For Our Community makeitbetter.net/vacation MONEY, VALUES, IMPACT — POWERFUL PLANNING GUIDE How to Plan Your Financial Future makeitbetter.net/money LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING GUIDE Tips, Tricks and Tools makeitbetter.net/garden GET ROLLING A Family-Friendly Guide to Biking in Chicago makeitbetter.net/bike

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Name/Location

Phys ical T hera py Relig ious Serv ices Rest aura nt-S tyle Dinin Shor g t Ter mC are Spee ch a nd Occ upat /or iona l The rapy Tran spor tatio n Se rvice s

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libra ry

Senior Living Directory, continued

The Admiral at the Lake, Chicago, 773-654-5206, admiral.kendal.org

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The Clare, Chicago, 312-784-8100, theclare.com

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The Garlands of Barrington, 847-304-1996, thegarlands.com

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The Grove of Evanston, 847-316-3320, thegroveofevanston.com

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The Highlands at The Moorings of Arlington Heights, 847-601-7685, themooringsofarlingtonheights.org

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The Lodge of Northbrook, 847-772-9100, lodgeofnorthbrook.com

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The Mather, Evanston, 847-492-7400, thematherevanston.com

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The Moorings of Arlington Heights, 847-364-2435, themooringsofarlingtonheights.org

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The Sheridan at Green Oaks, Lake Bluff, 224-220-1692, seniorlifestyle.com

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The Merion, Evanston, 877-343-0506, merionevanston.com

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The Wellshire, Lincolnshire, 224-543-7070, thewellshirelincolnshire.com

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Three Crowns Park, Evanston, 847-328-8700, threecrownspark.com

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Vi at the Glen, Glenview, 888-978-3880, glenview.viliving.com

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Warren Barr Lincolnshire, 224-543-7100, warrenbarrlincolnshire.com Weinberg Community for Senior Living, Deerfield, 847-374-0500, cje.net

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Westminster Place, Evanston, 888-607-2404, westminsterplace.org

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Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare, 847-945-4600, whitehallofdeerfield.com

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Young at Heart, Countryside, 708-639-4342, youngatheartinc.info *Contact each facility for the most up-to-date offerings.

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#FITNESS

READY TO RUN: HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

You don’t have to run a marathon to call yourself a runner. Why not start small and train for a 5K? According to Running USA, 7.6 million people — the most of any distance — ran a 5K in 2015.

“I set a goal to run a 5K before I turned 40,” says Gina Ehlman of Wilmette. “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. Turning 40 seemed like the right time to hold myself accountable every week and try something new. I was never a runner — in fact, when I saw people running, I would think to myself, ‘How is that enjoyable?’” Ehlman ran with a similar skill level group and found her stamina increased each week. She enjoyed the social aspect of the experience and made new friends. “Running through the ravines on Sheridan Road, in a light drizzle, pushing myself to run uphill, was exhilarating and frustrating at the same time,” shares Ehlman.

Here’s how to train for a 5K and get into the best shape of your life.

Why Run? Running is the most efficient path to cardiovascular fitness. Even short bouts of running will improve your heart health and reduce your risk for heart disease. You will build leg and core strength with each stride.

Running is accessible, flexible and inexpensive. With little equipment required, you can get your workout in anytime and almost anywhere, and, as with other forms of aerobic exercise, it elevates your mood, reduces stress, boosts confidence, and has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression.

Running will help you lose more weight than walking. Few activities burn calories as quickly at running. At the same time, it strengthens your bones and joints, helping prevent bone loss and arthritis.

Running can also improve your brain power, especially as you age. It’s a great social activity allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted quality time with friends and family, and allows you to see more of nature and the world around you.

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Get Ready Pick a fall 5K to target for your first race. Choose a second one four to six weeks later, and even a third one to pick up your pace a bit. Run the first 5K to try it, the second 5K to know it, and the third to race it to your best time. The excitement of the event, and the satisfaction of completing a race, will leave you wanting more.

You will be swept up in the camaraderie of your fellow runners.

Signing up for the race means you are committed to yourself and your good health. The upcoming date will keep you on track. You will be more inclined to eat well, sleep seven to eight hours, and limit your alcohol intake while you are in training. You will earn the right to wear the race shirt, and maybe even earn a finisher’s medal. Did I mention there are usually tasty treats at the finish?

Enjoy — you’ve earned it!

If you are physically fit from walking, spinning, swimming or any other form of exercise, allow four to six weeks to prepare. If you are just beginning an exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure you are ready to begin running. New exercisers should allow eight to 12 weeks before participating in a 5K. Train Smart Your body will adapt to running when you introduce it slowly; many new runners make the mistake of doing too much too soon.

Your muscles, joints and bones will strengthen as your running gradually increases, helping to prevent injuries.

Work with minutes, rather than distance.

Run outdoors! You will enjoy all types of weather and your runs will fly by.

Opt for softer surfaces, found on many trails, whenever possible.

Warm up with 5-10 minutes of walking throughout your training.

Start by adding 1-minute segments of running, followed by 1 minute of walking. Repeat the 1/1 pattern five times, which serves as a great warm up.

Increase the overall amount of run time, and the time of the run segments. Maintain the pattern of running, then walking,

for the same amount of time. Shoot for three walk/runs per week.

Build up to as much as 20 minutes of running, depending on your fitness.

Cross training will allow you to continue to build cardiovascular strength.

Rest is where the magic happens, so don’t skip those days.

Get Set While some run barefoot, that strategy doesn’t work for most runners, especially beginners. Equipment needs are not extensive, but good shoes that work for you are the key to success.

“A new runner should pick out shoes with the help of an experienced, professional fitter,” says Nancy Schultz, co-owner of The Runner’s Edge (the-runnersedge.com). “The key factor is finding the shoe that is best suited to your personal experience.

With our guidance, you will try on a variety of shoes taking into account your biomechanics, goals, routes and distance. The objective is to assist you in finding the shoe that offers the best chance to make your new sport enjoyable, safe and rewarding.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF YWCA EVANSTON/NORTH SHORE

Running doesn’t require that you wear specific clothing, but buying a few key pieces will make you more comfortable in any weather. Synthetic shirts and pants are breathable, letting your body heat escape and keeping you comfortable. Dress in layers so you can easily shed a layer when you get hot. I suggest doing the walking warm-up near your home or car so that you can drop a layer before you run. Fifty degrees is usually a perfect temperature for shorts and a short sleeve shirt.

Sunglasses may also be necessary on a bright day. Look for polarized shades that will not bounce up and down when your run. It’s nice to have a pair you can flip up onto your head when the light changes. Plus, many runners enjoy the extra protection from the elements that a breathable hat provides. Sunscreen is key for skin protection. Opt for a nongreasy, odorless, water-resistant version.

Running will be so much more enjoyable and relaxing if you leave your mobile device at home. Let this be your time to focus on yourself, free from the distractions of texts, calls and Snaps.

A sport watch is a great tool to record your minutes. If you want to track a bit more data — the route you covered,

pace, and even heart rate — check out the great trackers from Garmin and Fitbit.

GO! With so many great race options, choose one that benefits an important cause, features a scenic course, has a fun theme, or is near your home. Enter the race as soon as possible, before it sells out.

Running is booming and 5Ks are popular because they are accessible to all.

As race day approaches, be ready: Review all race information including the location of parking and restrooms. Know the race course and consider driving or running it ahead of time.

Invite a family member or friend to come cheer you on. Arrange to treat them to a healthy meal afterward.

Plan how you will get to the race.

Get there early!

Choose what you will wear — something that is very comfortable and makes you smile. Lay everything out ahead of time.

Plan what you will eat the day before and the morning of the race. Avoid anything new.

Go to the restroom several times before the race starts.

Line up according to your ability.

Let the speedy runners go first and find your spot in the middle or toward the back.

Run your first mile nice and easy.

Many go out too fast then fade quickly.

Here are some upcoming local races that benefit various charities. You can find more online at runningtheusa.com.

A Safe Haven Foundation’s 7th Annual 5K RUN! To End Homelessness, July 15, Chicago.

Paws for a Cause 5K Run, benefiting the Bryan & Amanda Bickell Foundation, July 23, Chicago.

Trot Against Trafficking Run/Walk, Aug. 19, Park Ridge

“I started with my husband, but told him to run ahead — I needed to do this on my own,” says Ehlman, describing her first 5K. “Crossing that finish line was an amazing experience! A feeling of accomplishment and pride overcame me as I passed the crowd cheering for me. I had to finish running all the way.

No way was I walking! This was my time. That day I became a ‘real’ runner.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ FITNESS

Here is a sample training plan for the beginner. Make it your own by adjusting it to your fitness level and schedule. Record notes after each workout.

R/W=Run then walk for the same amount of time, so R/W 2 x 3 is run 3, walk 3, run 3, walk 3 (W)=The walk time in minutes, which varies from the associated run time WEEK ONE Monday: R/W, 5 x 1, 1 x 2 Tuesday: Yoga or strength Wednesday: Cross train Thursday: R/W, 5 x 1, 2 x 2 Friday: Rest Saturday: R/W, 5 x 1, Run 6 Sunday: Rest or easy activity

WEEK FOUR Monday: R/W, 5 x 1, 4 x 3 Tuesday: Yoga or strength Wednesday: Cross train Thursday: R/W, 5 x 1, 2 x 5 Friday: Rest Saturday: Run 15 Sunday: Rest or easy activity

WEEK TWO Monday: R/W, 5 x 1, 1 x 3 Tuesday: Yoga or strength Wednesday: Cross train Thursday: R/W, 5 x 1, 2 x 3 Friday: Rest Saturday: R/W, 5 x 1, Run 8 Sunday: Rest or easy activity

WEEK FIVE Monday: R/W, 5 x 1, 3 x 3 Tuesday: Yoga or strength Wednesday: Cross train Thursday: R/W, 5 x 1, 2 x 6 Friday: Rest Saturday: Run 20 Sunday: Rest or easy activity

WEEK THREE Monday: R/W, 5 x 1, 2 x 3 Tuesday: Yoga or strength Wednesday: Cross train Thursday: R/W, 5 x 1, 2 x 4 Friday: Rest Saturday: R/W, 5 x 2, Run 10 Sunday: Rest or easy activity

WEEK SIX Monday: R/W, 5 x 1, 3 x 3 Tuesday: Easy yoga Wednesday: Easy cross Train Thursday: R/W, 5 x 1, 2 x 5 Friday: Rest Saturday: 5K Race Sunday: Rest or easy activity

Cross train with spinning at Soul Cycle (soul-cycle.com), Spynergy (spynergywinnetka.com), Studio SPIN (studiospincycle.com) or Evanston Athletic Club (chicagoathleticclubs.com). Cross training will improve your fitness, add variety to your program and help prevent injuries.

Yoga is a great way to lengthen and strengthen your running muscles. Try a class at YogaView (yogaview.com), Bikram Yoga Northshore (bikramnothshore.com), or try the online version at Yogaglow.com. Strength training at Redefined Fitness (redefinedfitness.com) or Body Science (bodysciencepft.com) is another way to add muscle to your run.

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#BEAUTY

BEAUTY at EVERY AGE

BY JENNY MUSLIN

There’s one absolute: We can’t stop time. So we’ve got to be proactive. As the decades pass, and our skin goes through its natural changes, there are steps to take to combat signs of aging.

If we can’t stop time, we can at least slow it down a little, as far as our skin is concerned.

“Every patient is unique when it comes to anti-aging regimens,” explains dermatologist Jordan Carqueville of The Skin Care Center in Glenview and Chicago. “Many factors play a role in choosing which interventions are appropriate, including skin type, facial shape, extent of sun damage, and level of fat-pad atrophy.”

As a general guideline, the 20s and 30s are focused on prevention and early intervention, while our 40s and 50s are dedicated to intervention and maintenance.

In later years — our 60s and 70s — we need to focus on continued maintenance. “It’s never too late to start intervention, though it can be more challenging to start later in life. Good skin health starts early and is maintained through the years,” says Carqueville.

Here are the most important steps you can take to protect your skin in every decade.

20

Sunscreen is a must! “Sunscreen prevents solar elastosis (loss of elasticity in skin due to sun exposure), thinning of the skin, and skin cancer,” says Carqueville. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or above, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance.

s

Get in a skincare routine. Make sure to remove your makeup and use face wash, moisturizer, eye cream and serum daily. Exfoliate at least once a week to keep skin fresh. Antioxidants and retinols are key. Antioxidants prevent free-oxygen radicals that contribute to aging and skin cancer. Retinols are Vitamin A derivatives, which stimulate new collagen production. Over the counter, try Skinceuticals Ce Ferulic ($165) or Avène RetrinAL ($55). For a stronger prescription-grade option, try Obagi Refissa Tretinoin Cream ($58).

“Neuromodulators [Botox/Dysport] may be used at this time if lines at rest are visible,” explains Carqueville. “Botox prevents [the] contraction of muscles that crush the collagen and create wrinkles. Also, consider skin peels or micro-needling for skin texture treatments.”

30

Wear sunglasses! “Now is the time for prevention,” says Katherine Pappas, principal

at Egea Spa (egeaspa.com) in Evanston. “Your sunglasses are more than an accessory; they minimize squinting and protect skin from UV rays.”

s

Add neck cream to your regimen. While you probably don’t have sagging skin or age lines along your décolletage yet, this is the decade when skin starts to loosen. Apply a neck cream nightly — you’ll thank yourself later. Try Clarins Extra-Firming Neck Cream ($89). It plumps and smoothes skin (and the scent is divine).

Don’t ignore the delicate skin around your eyes. “Apply a nighttime eye cream that contains peptides to help strengthen the skin and help the skin retain water,” Pappas says. “Also, swipe a glycolic acid pad over your face three times a week to instantly resurface your face gently.” Try Glytone Antioxidant Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($58) and HydroPeptide 5x Power Peel ($68).

Take special care of your “crowning achievement.”

Brenda Bonomo, stylist and salon educator at Pascal Pour Elle (pascalpourelle.com) in Glencoe, suggests using a moisturizing

#BEAUTY

shampoo, conditioner and, once a week, a deep-conditioning treatment (three to four times a week for dry or very curly hair) and a heat protectant when using thermal tools.

Maintain your youthful glow.

Pappas recommends quarterly facials to keep skin glowing. “It’s never too early to work on those forehead elevens,” Pappas notes. “A little Xeomin injected twice a year acts as an insurance policy.”

Carqueville advises continuing the same regimen recommended for your 20s, but consulting with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon about having hyaluronic acid filler in the tear troughs or cheeks. Intense pulsed light treatments help correct brown sunspots.

40

No excuse needed

to visit a spa. Begin

getting monthly facials.

Microderm facials are also beneficial for wrinkle prevention. Load up on water to hydrate and plump skin.

s

Update your makeup routine.

Because your skin has started to change, it may be time to update your makeup.

Foundation should be sheerer and well blended so it doesn’t cake in the fine lines.

Try a brighter color of lipstick to wake up your face, and avoid shimmer in your eyeshadow and lip products.

PHOTOS BY ERICA BARRACA

Thin skin does not become you.

“As your skin thins, the texture under the eyes becomes an issue and an ‘age indicator.’ Fine lines and wrinkles may increase, and if you haven’t already started using a retinol, now is the time as it stimulates skin-firming collagen,"

explains Pappas. Try Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes ($49), which has a slow and gentle release of vitamin A along with hyaluronic acid. Ask your skincare provider about monthly acid peels to exfoliate and brighten skin.

It’s all about the hair. Hair begins to go through many changes at this time.

“It can become dry, thin, weak, and often turns gray and changes in texture,” says Bonomo. “I like to use products in the label.m Therapy range to help combat these very key signs of aging. Collagen hydrating treatments are more important than ever in this phase and moving forward, as they strengthen and plump hair to reduce coarseness. Hydration adds shine, manageability and softness.”

50

Free radicals are not

your friend. “By the age

of 50, free radicals and environmental elements are officially taking a toll on the skin’s ability to repair,” explains Pappas. Expression lines are more defined; elastin and collagen production have significantly declined.

To combat this, try ZO Growth Factor Serum ($148), which protects and repairs.

Pair with ZO Ossential Daily Power Defense ($150) each morning under your sunscreen.

s

Brighten your not-so-pearly whites. Teeth darken as we age. There are many safe and effective whitening products that will enhance your smile.

Fill ‘er up. Pappas incorporates cosmetic fillers and injectables (like Xeomin) along with non-invasive laser services to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation. Monthly facials and “no downtime” acid peels like a TCA peel will brighten your face while softening fine lines.

Your hair needs a drink. “By now, menopause has dramatically impacted hair vitality,” explains Bonomo. “The hair continues to gradually thin and become duller, so in addition to your moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, a hydrating treatment three to four times a week can help. Consult with a professional.”

Menopause just keeps on giving.

In addition to changes in hair, menopause affects your skin, causing dryness and even acne. As hormones levels drop, collagen production drops as well. Don’t skip the serum before your moisturizer.

Look for a serum with hyaluronic acid to add moisture like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5Gel ($82).

Don’t forget your brows. An arch and tint frames your face, and nothing ages your face faster than light, thinning brows.

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A little help from

your friends. Carqueveille

recommends a combination and beyond of fractionated resurfacing lasers (which help tighten, improve fine lines and wrinkles, and eliminate brown spots with around five to seven days of downtime) and Ultherapy (which tightens and lifts skin).

“Maintenance is key to the longevity of your appearance,” says Pappas. “Xeomin (the injectable of choice at EGEA) can still be effective along with cosmetic collagen boosting fillers for wrinkles or sunken areas and laser skin tightening for your jowls and neck.”

s

Shine, shine, shine. Make sure you are using a stronger retinol to help sluggish skin turn over and look polished.

Try ZO Ossential Advanced Radical Night Repair ($170). To maintain hair structure and add shine, use a Keratin protein treatment.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ BEAUTY

#FA SHION

IT'S A WRAP

BY TR AC Y CLI FFO R D

Queen Anne Trench Rain Jacket, $495, Anthropologie, anthropologie.com The British waxed cotton, detachable hood and inner/outer pockets make this cool jacket functional in the rain.

Cynthia Rowley Rainbow Striped Metallic Brocade Jacket, $525, Cynthia Rowley Chicago , cynthiarowley.com This striking jacket is appropriate for almost every occasion; tone it down for work, dress it up for evening or wear it with weekend jeans.

AG Robyn Denim Jacket, $198, Evereve, evereve.com Denim is on trend and easy to wear.

AG is the "go-to" denim line for fit and wash.

9 6 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

Gucci Ribbon-Detail Wool Coat $3,400, Saks Fifth Avenue, saksfifthavenue.com Gucci is one of the most coveted designer collections for fall.

There is nothing like this classic coat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with a detachable grosgrain necktie bow â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to add style and versatility to your wardrobe.

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#FA SHION

As fall approaches, it’s time to get your coat on! Make It Better’s Fashion Editor, Tracy Clifford, turns to our favorite boutiques, all “Best of 2017” nominees known for their personalized service and unique selection, for the latest outerwear trends.

Burberry DoubleFaced Military Wool Cape, $2,395, Burberry Chicago, burberry.com This structured wool cape, inspired by artist Henry Moore, will instantly add an arty elegance to your look.

Joie Fur Bomber, $368, Valentina, shopvalentina.com Textured fur mixed with sporty black and white trim make this one of the best versions of the ever-so-trendy bomber jacket.

Autunno Multicolor Shearling Jacket, $1,428, Vibrato, vibratoboutique.com This shearling is a true showstopper!

You will have it forever and make a statement every time you wear it.

Soia & Kyo Christa Spread Collar Leather Moto Jacket, $565, Handle with Care, handlewithcareboutique.com The gorgeous neutral shade of this luxe leather moto jacket softens the appearance and works with almost any color or print in your closet.

J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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#PETS

YOUR TOP 5 DOG PROBLEMS, SOLVED! B Y L I N D S AY R O S E M A N

Enjoyable walks include making the connection with plenty of sniff time, positive associations, and treats for our dogs. Then strolling with them is a treat for us!

How to fend off Fido’s bad habits for good.

1 Housetraining

“Housetraining is all about creating a habit in your dog. Dogs will go to the bathroom wherever they go the most (hopefully that’s outside). Help them learn this habit by taking them outside frequently, rewarding them when they go to the bathroom outside (which means you’ll need to watch them outside) and restricting their freedom in the house to only rooms where you can watch them (so you can hopefully catch them while they are sniffing for a good spot and take them outside before they go)! Constant supervision and frequent trips outside for a few weeks will help your dog to form good habits. If they have a habit of going inside the house, try restricting their access to the spot where they usually go.” — Robin Bennett, CPDT-KA, Author of “All About Dog Daycare,” Chair, Association of Professional Dog Trainers Board of Directors

2 Pulling

“Long walks are great — but not when you are teaching your dog to stay at your side! Start by walking slow, keeping the leash loose. As the dog moves in front of you, turn and walk in a different direction.

Walk your dog in a predictable area (i.e., only on your street near your home) when conducting this exercise, and spend at least five minutes a day training your dog in this manner. It pays off in dividends!” — Marlene Marks, Dog Behavioral Therapist and Trainer, Bark Busters Home Dog Training

3 Barking

“Dogs bark to communicate just like we talk to express our thoughts.

A valuable approach to begin with problem solving excessive barking concerns is to ask, ‘What is the function (the purpose) of the barking behavior?’ Then, notice the absence of barking. If your dog barks at noises in the hall or outside, observe when you hear a noise and they don’t bark — treats! Reinforce less intensity of the barking behavior. If you observe your dog alert to a sound (tilt their head, look toward the 9 8 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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sound or sight of the distraction) — treats! If your dog sees another dog on a walk at a safe distance and does not bark — treats! Then walk farther away from the other dog to provide space and plenty of sniff time at a relaxing distance. At home, turn on the radio, television and a white noise machine to help mask the sounds outside. Don’t yell at your dog while they are barking. You are barking with them, creating a higher arousal level, and reinforcing the barking behavior.”

— Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA CTP/Faculty, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Level 2, Animal Behavior Training Concepts

4 Jumping

“Dogs jump up on people out of excitement. If your dog does this to you or other people, it’s because he wants attention and doesn’t know how to control himself when he is that excited. You must show your pup that jumping up isn’t how he gets attention, but sitting calmly in front of you is how he gets attention. If your pup attempts to jump up on you, tell him ‘OFF.’ Turn your body so that your back is facing your dog. When you move your body this way, your pup will automatically put his paws back down to the floor (where they belong). Turn to face your pup again and redirect him to sit. Once he sits, pet him and show him THIS is how he gets your attention. If he starts jumping up on you again, stop giving him attention and repeat the steps above. Only give your puppy attention and affection when he is sitting. Practice this routine until it becomes a habit.” — Kaelin Munkelwitz, Owner/Head Trainer & Behaviorist, All Things Pups

5 Inconsistency “It is very common for people to expect their dogs to know or understand things that we may not have reinforced enough or sometimes we haven’t even taught them what it is that we would expect or want from them. It also takes a lot of repetition to ensure that the dog is fluent in our word and expectation. I equate this to language, as this is certainly a different language for our dogs. If we were to become fluent in another language and be confident enough to not just speak it at home, in the classroom, or conversationally, but as an immersed member of that culture, we would need a lot of coaching and repetition. The same is true of our dogs. Your dog need repetition and follow through.” — Alexa Kehoe, Owner and Head Trainer, Sit Means Sit Chicago

PHOTO COURTESY LAURA MONACO TORELLI

Training doesn’t stop after puppy school graduation. From potty training to pulling, there are simple things you can do to redirect bad behavior and turn your troublemaking tail wagger into the ultimate good dog. Five trainers weigh in on the top pet problems they see — and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.

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#PETS

THE PAMPERED POOCH B Y L I N D S AY R O S E M A N

Treat your furry friend to the best of the best.

These luxury experiences and products are sure to get tails wagging.

Put your pet to sleep in the lap of luxury on this pet mattress. Did you know your dog spends more than half of its life asleep?

Casper’s sleep engineers created the perfectly designed sleep surface using pressurerelieving memory foam that’s supportive, durable and dig-proof.

From $125,

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Burt’s Bees Natural Pet Care Grooming Products Treat

your dog or cat to an at-home spa day with Burt’s Bees shampoos, conditioners, wipes, paw and nose lotions and more. Products contain no sulfates or colorants, are pH balanced, cruelty free and made from natural ingredients like honey, chamomile and lavender. (They even make a waterless shampoo — think dry shampoo for your dog!)

Prices vary, burtsbeespets.com

Classic Kids Photo Shoot

Capture your furry family member on film with a shoot at Classic Kids. It’ll double as a forever memory and a beautiful piece of art for your home. Pricing varies, classickids.com 15080 MJ AY U LY / J/A UN U EG U 20 ST 1 62 0makeitbetter.net 1 7 makeitbetter.net

Fido To Go Food trucks aren’t just for empanadas and exotic grilled cheese sandwiches.

Fido To Go, “Chicago’s premier gourmutt food truck,” serves up glutenand allergen-free petfriendly cookies, ice cream and Fi-Yo frozen yogurt.

Find them at Chicago-area dog parks and beaches, or hire them to cater your next doggy party. Bonus: Each month, one treat supports a charitable organization. For more info and pricing, visit fidotogo.net

Jonathan Adler Dog Bowls

No more hiding the food bowls under the kitchen island — these acrylic and brass Jonathan Adler bowls were made to be displayed and will perfectly complement your home’s design. $600, neimanmarcus.com

Graphic Image Personalized Dog Bag Case There’s nothing glamorous about picking up poop, but these personalized pouches made from handcrafted leather will ensure you’re always prepared — no matter where your walks take you. $55, neimanmarcus.com

For more of our favorite doggie goodies, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/PETS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

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# T H E AT E R

WE LIKE HIM. WE REALLY, REALLY LIKE HIM: An Interview with John Mahoney

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

John Mahoney returns to the stage to open the 2017-18 Steppenwolf season, and he’s in the mood to talk. interview with the acting legend. At 76, he’s still passionately curious about and deeply engaged in the process of making great theater.

Mahoney joined the Steppenwolf Ensemble in 1979, and from there, he headed to Broadway, where he won a Tony in 1986 for “The House of Blue Leaves,” and then on to great acclaim in a nineseason stint as Martin Crane on the NBC ‘90s megahit, “Frasier.”

Mahoney would tell you that he was in the right place at the right time, but it’s so much more than that, of course. His everyman qualities — the gruff voice and average Joe appearance, combined with his inherent humanity — make him, paradoxically, the center of attention in any production. You root for this man, and it’s no wonder that you do. He might be the nicest man you ever meet in real life.

MIB: What took you from teaching English and editing a medical journal to acting?

John Mahoney: I’d always loved acting as a kid, but when I came to the United States, I didn’t want to be the archetypal scrounging brother-in-law. I didn’t know what to do, but I didn’t want to do something as risky as acting. I got my Masters in English at Western Illinois. I worked through college and grad school at a hospital, so I had six years of a medical background, which took me to a medical journal. It was never anything that I wanted to do, but I was flat-out a bad teacher. So I thought to myself, “I’ve got to try something to satisfy my soul.” I’d done a lot of acting as a kid, been part of the Stratford Children’s Theatre when I was growing up. Everything said, “This is something I want to do. I’ve got to at least try it.” So that’s what I did. I enrolled in an acting school at the old St. Nicholas Theatre, with Bill [William H.] Macy, and I got cast out of the class into David Mamet’s then-latest play — Mamet had helped start St. Nicholas — and everything just fell into place after that. I got a lot of offers, joined Steppenwolf, and everything just worked out from there. It was something that I was meant to do all along, but it took many years for me to finally get the courage to do it.

This September, for the first time in two years, he will appear on the Steppenwolf stage in Jessica Dickey’s “The Rembrandt,” directed

by Hallie Gordon and co-starring fellow Ensemble member Francis Guinan. It’s a transformative piece about the power of art, something Mahoney can relate to. The following is an edited version of our

You joined Steppenwolf in 1979, brought in to the Ensemble by John Malkovich. How did that come about?

At the time, they were moving their theater from Highland Park to the Jane Addams Center in Chicago, and to celebrate the move, each member of the Ensemble was invited to bring somebody in,

John Mahoney was born in England during World War II, the seventh of eight kids. He followed his sister, a war bride, to the U.S., winning citizenship after a stint in the Army. He settled in Illinois, got his B.A. at Quincy College, and a Masters in English from Western Illinois University, taught college English, and then edited a medical journal. He was 37 before he returned to the stage, his childhood passion, and went right from acting class to professional theater roles.

J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPPENWOLF

There’s no mistaking that voice. It commands your attention, immediately reminding you of the many famous roles he’s taken on, be it stage, screen or TV. He’s the prototypical American man, Mr. Guy Next Door. In reality, he’s British by birth.

# T H E AT E R

because they wanted to double the size of the company. I was the one that John brought in, because we had done a play at St. Nicholas together and we just got along very well, so he invited me to become a part. And that was it.

My first production at Steppenwolf, I wasn’t yet a member… it was “Philadelphia, Here I Come” while they were still in Highland Park.

John called and asked me to take this part. At that time, though, I was Equity, and they said I couldn’t do the part without being paid, but Steppenwolf couldn’t afford to pay me. So what I agreed to do, gladly, was that Steppenwolf would pay me, and I would sign the check back over to them. The first show I did as a member of the company was “Waiting for Lefty.” It was the first play of the first season in Chicago.

And from there to Broadway…

I did a few plays at Steppenwolf, and finally did this play called “Orphans,” which was a huge hit in Chicago. [They] transferred the entire cast, Kevin Anderson, Terry Kinney and me, with Gary Sinise directing, to New York Off-Broadway and it ran there for a year. It really established all three of us, and of course Gary as a director. I won a couple of awards — Theatre World Award, a Drama Desk nomination — and then came back to Chicago to do “You Can’t Take It With You” at Steppenwolf. Then I was invited back to do “House of Blue Leaves” at Lincoln Center, which transferred to Broadway, and I won a Tony Award for that part.

That sort of put me in a different category of not having to audition for anything, having my choice of roles. It really made my career.

The Song of Jacob Zulu

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You’ve had some wonderful movie roles — the dad in “Say Anything…” was a favorite of mine — but is there one you prefer?

Oh, yeah, me too. That was my favorite movie role of all the ones I ever did. It’s funny… most women like “Moonstruck” best, and most men like “Tin Men” best, and a certain age group likes “Say Anything...” And I agree with them! It really was a great movie.

How about on TV? I’ve done quite a bit of TV, but the most fun of all, of course, was “Frasier,” because it was such a class act. It was one of the best-written series ever, I think, and we won God knows how many Emmy Awards. It was just such a perfect cast, all of us from very similar [professional theater] backgrounds. I think Kelsey [Grammer] was doing Shakespeare in the Park with Joe Papp when he was cast in “Cheers” and then in “Frasier;” David [Hyde Pierce] was touring the world in a David Brooks’ production of Chekhov, Peri [Gilpin] was from a big theater in Dallas, Texas, and Jane [Leeves] had done a lot of theater in England, so we were all from the idea of putting on a great show, and “Frasier” was just 11 years of bliss, to tell you the truth.

Tell me about the new play that you’ll appear in at Steppenwolf this fall, “The Rembrandt.” What drew you to it?

It’s about our relationship with art, how it enriches our spirit, but doesn’t necessarily reward the artist. I play Homer, and I also play an old, present-day poet dying of cancer. It’s about an exhibit that a young woman goes to see, and gets involved conversationally with some people at the museum, and they all decide to touch

# T H E AT E R

The Seafarer

the painting, and barely escape with their jobs. But the effect it has on them, this attempt to get closer to the soul of art… it may sound dry, but it’s very, very funny and thought provoking. Best of all, it stars Francis Guinan, the best actor in Chicago, and he plays both Rembrandt and the man guiding the exhibit at the museum, who also happens to be the partner of the man who is dying of cancer, who is played by me. [There is] an amazing scene together toward the end between the two of [us]. It’s about man’s relationship with art, and it’s his yearning, whether he knows it or not, to get closer to it, and to the creation of art itself.

I’ve read that you believe you were simply in the right place at the right time, that you’ve been extraordinarily lucky in your life and your career. But everyone I’ve spoken to sings your praises, not only as an actor, but as a human being.

Thank you for telling me that. It’s very important for me to be liked. That might sound strange to you, but it is. Because if you are liked, then you are treating people well. And that’s what I want most of all. I have a mantra that I say several times a day. I say, “Dear God, please help me to treat everybody — including myself — with love, respect and dignity.” And I figure if I do that, then people are going to like me. And if somebody doesn’t like me, then I figure I’m not being very nice to them. And it’s important to me that I am. Rotten people, I don’t care. But most people are very decent. So it’s important to me to hear what you’re saying. Because it means that I am treating people the way they are supposed to be treated.

The Dresser

I think that humanity comes through in everything that I’ve seen you do.

Thank you. Really.

You’re a cancer survivor. Does it influence or inform your choices on stage?

It’s not my first time. I had cancer over 20 years ago, and my career was doing so well, I just wanted to keep doing as much as I could, as fast as I could… I was trying desperately to make up for all the time I had wasted before I became an actor. This last bout of cancer, it changed me in that it definitely weakened me. I’m over it, according to my doctors, but I am weaker, and there are some plays I can’t do anymore that I could do six or seven years ago.

Beloved Chicago actors of a certain age: a cage match between you and Mike Nussbaum. Discuss.

(Laughs ) I love Mike. Working with him is absolutely wonderful.

And you don’t know the half of it. He does books of double crostics every day in ink. I do them too, but not in ink, and nowhere near as fast. There’s no BS about Mike. It’s so joyful to be on stage with him, to watch him work, to listen to him dissect a part, and see where he’s coming from, how he works.

And funny! I’m thrilled for these latest reviews (as Einstein in “Relativity” at Northlight Theatre in Skokie) and I can’t wait to see him in it. I’ve got a bit of chemo brain now. It’s not as easy to remember lines. My mind is still pretty sharp, but I couldn’t do what Mike does, and I’m only 76. I hope he keeps on doing it.

For more information and tickets, visit STEPPENWOLF.ORG

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“Moby Dick”

SUMMER STAGE

BY ROBERT LOER ZEL

In these lazy days of summer, some of the Chicago-area theaters go on hiatus, but there’s still plenty to see — stories and musicals, both classical and brand-new. Or consider a trip to Wisconsin, where you might find some of those local actors who went away for the season.

Aug. 19 – 27 | Music Theater Works, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson, Evanston | 847-920-5360 | musictheaterworks.com One of the greatest of all American musicals, “Gypsy” is also a terrific vehicle for talented women to show off their vocal and acting chops. This traditional staging by Music Theater Works will feature Mary Robin Roth — who previously played the title role of “Hello, Dolly!” for the same local company, when it was called Light Opera Works. She plays Rose, the mother of all stage mothers.

“HIR”

June 29 – Aug. 20 | Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago | 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org Taylor Mac’s surreal black comedy about a dysfunctional family sounds tailor-made for Steppenwolf, where the cast will include stalwarts Francis Guinan and Amy Morton.

During the play’s original New York run in 2015, the New York Times praised its “woolly, dark vision of an American family run amok.”

“MOBY DICK”

Through Sept. 3 | Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago | 312-337-0665 | lookingglasstheatre.org Director-writer David Catlin’s majestic staging of Herman Melville’s epic American novel “Moby Dick” deservedly won four Jeff Awards, including best production, when it debuted in 2015. Now it’s back, with a slightly streamlined script and 1 0 6 J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

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a few new cast members. Even if you saw it before, the quest for the white whale is worth another journey.

“THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY”

Through Aug. 13 | Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire | 847-634-0200 | marriotttheatre.com Robert James Waller’s 1992 novel about a romantic fling in Iowa was one of the biggest best-sellers of all time, beloved by millions of readers. When this musical version debuted on Broadway in 2014, the story of a lonely housewife falling for a National Geographic photographer still failed to persuade some critics, but just about everyone fell in love with composer Jason Robert Brown’s lush, melodic songs. The show is now receiving its regional premiere at the Marriott, an ideal setting for its romantic duets.

“MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE”

July 13 – Aug. 27 | Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | 312-595-5600 | chicagoshakes.com Based on the animated DreamWorks movie from 2005 about a bunch of animals who break out of New York’s Central Park Zoo, this new show presents the fun adventure as a familyfriendly 70-minute musical. This Chicago debut is directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell, who has a stellar track record of delivering delightful entertainment in recent years, including “Brigadoon” at the Goodman, “Ride the Cyclone” at Chicago Shakespeare and “Billy Eliot” at Drury Lane.

PHOTO © LIZ LAUREN

“GYPSY”

MOVE IT, MOVE IT to Navy Pier and see this 70-minute musical live on stage! $

22 TICKETS FOR CHILDREN (12 & UNDER)

American Players Theatre Summer Festival

AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE SUMMER FESTIVAL Through Oct. 22 | Spring Green, Wisconsin | americanplayers.org Drive for a few hours north to this rustic oasis and you’ll find a selection of plays featuring top talent from Chicago and elsewhere.

This year’s plays are “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “A Flea in Her Ear,” “Cyrano de Bergerac,” “Three Sisters,” “Pericles,” “The Unexpected Man,” “The Maids” and “A View From the Bridge.”

PHOTO BY CARISSA DIXON

Other shows worth checking out: “The Faculty Lounge” June 22-Aug. 6, Oil Lamp Theater, 847-834-0738, oillamptheater.org “The Gin Game” June 22-Aug. 2, Drury Lane, 630-530-0111, drurylaneoakbrook.com “Honeymoon in Vegas” Aug. 23-Oct. 15, Marriott Theatre, 847-634-0200, marriotttheatre.com “A Love Affair” Aug. 17-Oct. 1, Oil Lamp Theater, 847-834-0738, oillamptheater.org “Something Rotten!” July 11-23, Oriental Theatre, 312-977-1700, broadwayinchicago.com Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/THEATER

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ILA L AGU C K W E L L E D N I O EV AM GEORG ok by K HEL R E NOR WORKS ANIMATION MOTION PICTURE • bo aphed by R AC IEGA & J OEL SOMEILLAN • directed & choreogr

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11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 2:00 pm* 2:00 pm* 2:00 pm* 2:00 pm* *

Guaranteed discounted parking in Navy Pier garages

No 2:00 pm performance on July 13, 14, 15 and 16

MAJOR 2017/18 SEASON SUPPORTERS

The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust

A VIEW YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Photo from the Broadway production of A View From the Bridge.

Goodman Theatre’s 2017/2018 Season kicks off this fall with director Ivo van Hove’s Tony Award-winning sensation A View from the Bridge.

5 PLAYS START AT JUST $100. JOIN US TODAY. GoodmanTheatre.org/Power | 312.443.3800 2017/2018 Season Sponsors

@properties 19 East 210 Restaurant & Music Lounge 900 North Michigan Shops 9Round A Closer Bond Dog Community Center A New Leaf A. Perry Homes Abigail’s Acadia Adler Planetarium Adventure Stage Chicago Aim & Ailie Alinea Amarit Thai and Sushi Amazing Lash Studio American Girl Andreas Hogue Salon Andy’s Frozen Custard Angela Michelle Anne Loucks Gallery Anthropologie Apollo Chorus of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago Ash Street Interiors Au Cheval Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Avant for Men Avenue Fashion Ba Le Backlot Coffee Baird & Warner Balena Banner Day Camp Barks & Bows Dog Spa Barnaby’s of Northbrook Becca Kaufman Orchestra Becky & Me Toys Bedside Manor Ltd Belle Vie Bridal Couture Benefit Cosmetics Bennison’s Bakery The Bent Fork Bakery Bentley’s Pet Stuff Berkshire Hathaway/ KoenigRubloff Bernie’s Book Bank Beth’s Little Bake Shop Bien Assorti Big Blue Swim School Bikram Yoga North Shore Bistro Campagne BlackSheep General Store Blind Faith Cafe BloOuts Blow Dry Bar Blown Away Blue Agave Bluemercury

Blue Plate Bob Chinn’s Crab House Body Science PFT Bohemian House Boltwood Bonobos Bookends & Beginnings bopNgrill Boris’ Barber Shop Bridgeport Art Center Broadway in Chicago Buccellati Burt’s Place Cafe Buongiorno Campagnola Carriage Hill Kennels Carson’s Ribs Cartier Catering by Michaels Centennial Dog Beach Chalet Nursery Chester & Chester Chicago Athletic Association Chicago Bandits Chicago Bears Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blues Festival Chicago Botanic Garden Chicago Bulls Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier Chicago Children’s Theatre Chicago Cubs Chicago Cut Steakhouse Chicago Fire Soccer Club Chicago Gateway Green’s Green Tie Ball ChicagoHistoryMuseum Chicago Lashes Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. Chicago Red Stars Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Chicago Sky Chicago Shakespeare Theater Chicago Sinfionetta Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago White Sox Children’s Gift Shop Christopher Duquet Chuan Spa at The Langham Cindy’s City Kids Theatre Classic Kids Photography Coast Sushi Cocomero

Coldwell Banker College Nannies Sitters and Tutors Columbia College Chicago CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate Convito Cafe and Market CorePower Yoga Country LakeShake Crate & Barrel CryoPure Spa Cupitol Coffee and Eatery Cynthia Rowley Daley Plaza Davanti Enoteca David Rothstein Music David Yurman de Giulio Kitchen Design Decoma Day Camp Deerfields Bakery DePaul University Depot Nuevo Di Pescara Dick’s Sporting Goods Dimitra’s Bridal Couture Dinkel’s Bakery Disneyland/DisneyWorld DMK Burger Bar Do-Rite Donuts Donati’s Pizza Dos Urban Cantina Doughnut Vault Dream Kitchens Inc. Duck Duck Goat Dylan’s Candy Bar Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa East Bank Club Easterseals Edwards Florist Inc. and Greenhouses Edzo’s Burger Shop Egea Spa Egg Harbor Cafe EJ’s Place El Che Bar Elements Contemporary Ballet Elements Massage Ellen’s on Elm Emerald City Theatre Entertaining Company Epic Burger Equinox Erika’s Lighthouse Fundraiser Evanston Athletic Club Evanston Golf Club Evanston’s Dog Beach Evanston SPACE Events by Joey

Evereve Exploritorium Farfetch Fashion Outlets of Chicago Feed My Starving Children Fig and Olive Fine Makeup Art & Associates Firecakes Donuts Firefly Kitchen Fitness Formula Clubs Five & Dime FlavorPot Fleet Feet Sports Fleur Flex Pilates Floriole Cafe & Bakery FlowersFlowers Floyd’s 99 Barbershop Food for Thought Foodstuffs Foss Swim School Found Kitchen and Social House Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Frances Heffernan FreshSkin Frontera Grill Galena Gather Geneva Seal Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Georgie V’s Get Dwell Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Gigi’s Closette Gino’s East Giordano Dance Chicago Glazed & Infused Glenview Cycle Glenview Grind Goldfish Swim School Goldmoor Inn goldplaited Good Grapes Goodman Theatre Gordon Salon Grace Graeter’s Ice Cream Graff Diamonds Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Granite City Food and Brewery Grant Park Grant Park Music Festival Green Bay Cycles Green City Market

Green Street Smoked Meat Growth Spurts GT Fish & Oyster GT Prime Guanajuato Guildhall Half Acre Beer Handle With Care Happy Husky Bakery Harand Camp of the Theater Arts Harris Theater Harry Winston Hartigan’s Ice Cream Shoppe Hearth Restaurant Hecky’s Barbeque Heinen’s Hewn Higher Gear Hilton Orrington Hip Hip Hooray Homer’s Ice Cream Honey Butter Fried Chicken Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Huffman Travel Ltd. Hyatt House Evanston iFLY Indoor Skydiving Ike Behar Ilene Chase Design Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center Imperial Lamian Indian Hill Club Inspiring Catering and Events Interlochen Center for the Arts J.McLaughlin James Martin Associates Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty JCC Camp Chi JCC Day Camps Jeannie Balsam LLC Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Jeremy Lawson Photography Jewell Events Catering Joe Donut Joe’s Live Rosemont Joe’s on Weed Street Joffrey Ballet School Josie Nail Spa Joy Yee Julia Nash Photography

Julie Kaplan Photography Juniper Boutique Kal’ish Kai Zan Kashian Bros.

Kathryn Hastings Photography Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra Kendall College Kendra Scott Kennelworth Kennels Keren Sarai Photography King Spa Sauna Kings Bowl America Kohl Children’s Museum Kohler Waters Spa/ The American Club Koi KOVAL Distillery Kuma’s Corner La Casa De Isaac La De Da La Principal Lake Forest Book Store Lake Forest Travel Bureau Inc. Lake Geneva School of Cooking Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Lake Michigan Lakefront Lake Shore Travel Lashes by Fotini Latinicity Laugh Factory (Chicago) Leesi B. Cosmetics Legoland Discovery Center Leonard’s Bakery Lester Lampert Lewis Floor & Home Libertad Lickety Split Lifetime Fitness Lillie’s Q Lincoln Park Zoo Little Beans Cafe Lollapalooza Londo Mondo Lookingglass Lou & Grey Lou Malnati’s Love’s Loyola University lucy Lulu’s lululemon Lumen Lyric Opera of Chicago M Burger

Marian Michael Mariani Landscaping Marianne Storkirk Salons Mariano’s Mario Tricoci Market House on the Square Marriott Theatre Marshall Pierce & Company Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art Massage Envy Mastro’s Material Possessions Mattie M Maxine Chicago Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony McCormick & Schmick Meatheads Medieval Times Mensch with a Wrench Mercat a La Planxa MetaMorphosis Spa Metro

MyBody Complex NaKorn Naoki Napolita National Museum of Mexican Art Native Foods Navy Pier Net-a-Porter Nick’s Neighb orhood Bar & Grill Nicole Thomas Photography Noah’s Ark Pet Supply Nordstrom North Pond North Shore Center for Performing Arts North Shore Distillery North Shore Exchange North Shore Nannies North Shore Weddings & Events North Suburban YMCA North Suburban YMCA Strong Kids Dinner Northbrook Court

Pilates Central Pinkberry Pinstripes Pitchfork Music Festival Piven Pizano’s Platinum Events Pony Shop Prairie Grass Prairie Wolf Dog Park Pritzker Military Museum & Library Publican Anker Pure Barre Ravinia Razny Reach Real Urban Barbecue Red Door Spa Red Pine Camp for Girls REI Rendezvous Music Renu Day Spa Restaurant Michael Reva Nathan and Associates

Soho House Chicago SoulCycle Spa at Dana Spacca Napoli Spex /MyEyeDr Spiaggia Restaurant Sprout Kids Spynergy Stacked & Folded State Street Barbers Stella Boutique Steppenwolf Theatre Steve & Kate’s Camp Stone Porch by the Lake Stone Terrace B & B Studio SPIN Sun Wah BBQ Sunset Foods Sur la Table Sushi Kushi Too Sutton Studios Swedish American Museum Sweet Mandy B’s Swift & Sons Taco Diablo Tag’s Bakery

The House of Glunz The iO Olympic Theatre The Ivy Room The Kids’ Table The Lake Forest Shop The Langham Chicago “The Lobby” at the Peninsula Hotel The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago The Peninsula Chicago The Redfield Estate at the Grove The Ritz-Carlton The Rock House The Runner’s Edge The Shops at North Bridge The Sixth The Social Table The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago The Standard Club The Westin Chicago North Shore The Violet Hour

Waldorf Astoria Spa Walgreens Walker Bros. Pancake House Walter E. Smithe Warby Parker Ward Eight Westfield Old Orchard Westmoreland Country Club WheelPower Studio WhirlyBall Whole Foods Wiggly Tails William Hill Gallery Wilmette Bicycle & Sport Shop, Inc. Wilmette French Market Wilmette Theatre Wilmette Wine Cellar Windy City Fieldhouse Winnetka Thrift Shop Wisconsin Dells Woman’s Athletic Club Woman’s Club of Evanston

WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF THE

BEST OF 2017 NOMINEES AND THEIR HIGHLY MOTIVATED FANBASES: Michael Lee Photography Michigan Michigan Shores Club Millennium Park Mira Couture Misericordia Mission Hills Club Mitchell Museum of the American Indian Mobile Room Escape Molly Flavin Floral Design Molly’s Cupcakes Mom’s Best Friend Momotaro Mona Lisa Stone & Tile MoniCare Montrose Dog Beach Morgante Wilson Architects Morton’s Mr. B’s BBQ Mudlark Theatre Museum of Broadcast Communications Museum of Contemporary Art Museum of Science and Industry Music Box Theatre Music Theater Works My Best Friend’s Closet

Northerly Island Northlight Theatre Northwestern University Nothing Bundt Cake nuHaus O’Brien Landscapes Oceanique Oil Lamp Theatre Old Town School of Folk Music Optique Orangetheory Oriole Orren Pickell Maintenance Group Paramount Events Pascal Pour Elle Paul Rehder Salon Paul Stuart PAWS Fur Ball Peachtree Place Peckish Pig Peek-a-Boutique Peggy Notebaert Museum Peninsula Hotel Spa Pequods Pete Miller’s Peterson Garden Project Piccolo Sogno Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

Reynolds Architecture Riccardo Trattoria Riot Fest Riva Road Runner Sports Roka Akor Room & Board Royal Travel & Tours RPM Steak Ruth Page Center for the Arts Saigon Sisters Saks Fifth Avenue Sara Jane Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits Scooter’s Scott Byron Landscaping Scott Simpson Builders Second City See Sephora Shake Shack Shaw’s Crab House Shedd Shopbop Shred415 Sittercity Sketchbook Brewing Co. Skin Medi Spa by AnthonyJ.Geroulis,M.D. Smoque BBQ

Tamarack Camps Taste Buds Kitchen Teddie Kossof Salon Spa Temperance Beer Co. Ten Friends Blow Dry & Style House Ten Mile House Terra & VIne Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery The 60s Beauty Lash The Angry Crab The Aviary The Barking Lot The Barn The Book Bin The Book Stall The Bottle Shop The Brothers K Coffeehouse The Chicago Diner The Chopping Block The Dailey Method The Deer Path Inn The Derm The Dog Wash The Drake Hotel The Field Museum The Flower Firm The Foxglove Studio The Geraghty The Glen Town Center

The Wild Child Three Tarts Bakery and Cafe Tiffany & Co. Torino Ramen Town Studios Architects Trifecta Grill Twigs Florist U.S. Waterproofing Ulta Beauty Uncle Dan’s The Great Outdoor Store UNICEF Union Pizzeria University of Chicago Vale of Enna Flowers Valentina Valley Lo Club Valor Glencoe Van Cleef & Arpels Vanille Patisserie VEIL Event Design Venue One Vibrato Boutique Village Treasure House Vin Chicago Vineyard Vines Vinic Wine Co Vivid Art Gallery Von Maur Wags on Willow

Writers Theatre XOCO Yogaview Yogi Barre Youth Intensive Services Yuppy Puppy YWCA Flying Fish Zanies Comedy Club Learn more about the Best of 2017 winners beginning on page 47.

It was an empowering day for the audience that attended Money, Values & Impact presented by Morgan Stanley at the Four Seasons Hotel April 26 , 2017.

The esteemed speakers offered insights and advice to make meaningful and smart investment decisions aligned with values and a better world. The presentations can be viewed at makeitbetter.net/mvi.

FINANCE Impact investing expert FINANCE Keynote speaker Carla Harris, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Morgan Stanley, explained how current trends in our culture influence the spending and investing decision-making of our nation.

TRAVEL

Travel trends expert Kendra Thornton, President of Royal Travel, provided tips and trends for investing in travel experiences that enhance your life.

Kathy Roeser, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, outlined how investment decisions can deliver both positive financial returns and positive impact on our community.

FOOD & WINE

Wine maker and enthusiast Joe Glunz, President, Louis Glunz Wines, navigated the world of fine wine investingâ&#x20AC;Ś and enjoying.

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#PHILANTHROPY

BY WILL MENDELSON

GI V E T I M E

GI V E T H I NGS SUPPORT REFUGEE GIRLS GirlForward 773-856-0598 | girlforward.org GirlForward presents opportunities for refugee girls through three core programs — a mentoring program, Camp GirlForward and the Safe Spaces Project.

GirlForward’s work is made possible by generous individuals who donate. Donations allow GirlForward to continue providing mentorship and education to girls resettled in the U.S. as refugees. Your generous school supplies and city transit pass donations will go toward the classroom and educational workshops for the girls in these programs.

MMRF TEAM FOR CURES: CHICAGO 5K WALK/RUN — JOIN US!

VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT THE MULTIPLE MYELOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation 203-562-0208 | themmrf.org

GIRLS IN GIRLFORWARD PROGRAMMING WITH DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION EMILY KANE, AT A GIRL JAM FUNDRAISER.

DONATE TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN HIGH SCHOOL Spark Program 312-724-8568 | sparkprogram.org

GIVE SUPPORT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

The mission of the MMRF is to relentlessly pursue innovative means that accelerate the development of next-generation multiple myeloma treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure. The MMRF Team for Cures 5K Walk/Run Program needs volunteers to support the 2,000 participants who are patients, family, friends, clinicians and healthcare workers in the greater Chicago area.

ON DISCOVERY DAY, STUDENTS AND MENTORS PRESENT THEIR PROJECTS IN A “SCIENCE-FAIR” STYLE.

Spark inspires 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to succeed in high school and beyond by connecting them with mentors in leading workplaces and supporting their academic journey with the High School Transitions program. By engaging working professionals and connecting businesses with local communities, Spark empowers the next generation to perform better in school, graduate on time and lead fulfilling careers and lives. Spark will serve thousands of students this year. Your donation will help them support students as they discover what’s possible and develop the skills to achieve their goals. In Chicago, Spark will pair 375 students with mentors to work one-on-one and create a project based on the student’s interests and career aspirations.

Visit donate.sparkprogram.org or send and make checks payable to: Spark Program 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 520, Chicago, IL 60606.

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#BETTERMAKERS

BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT

BY ANNA CARLSON

1 STEPPENWOLF GAL A MAY 13 , 2017 Steppenwolf Theatre Company $1.15 million Co-chairs: Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot; Cameron and Amy Findlay; Susan and David Mendelsohn; ensemble member Jon Michael Hill; ensemble member Tim Hopper and Karen Viola and ensemble member Amy Morton and Rob Milburn.

Sponsors: Liz and Eric Lefkofsky and DLA Piper LLP (US) & Mendelsohn Legal, and Official and Exclusive Airline Partner, United.

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PHOTOS BY KYLE FLUBACKER

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1. Steppenwolf Ensemble Member and Gala 2017 Co-Chair Jon Michael Hill and Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Tarell Alvin McCraney. 2. Steppenwolf Ensemble Member and Gala 2017 Co-Chair Amy Morton. 3. Steppenwolf Artistic Director and Ensemble Member Anna D. Shapiro, Steppenwolf Trustee and Gala 2017 Co-Chairs David and Susan Mendelsohn, Steppenwolf Trustee and Gala 2017 Co-Chairs Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot, Steppenwolf Trustee and Gala 2017 Co-Chairs Cameron and Amy Findlay, Steppenwolf Executive Director David Schmitz. 4. Kelly and Jay Tunney. MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support Steppenwolfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistic, educational and community programming.

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BE AR S CARE 22ND ANNUAL BL ACK TIE CHARIT Y GAL A MAY 20, 2017 Soldier Field Aproximately $600,000

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHICAGO BEARS

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LURIE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO

ANN & ROBERT H .

LURIE CHILDREN ’S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO’S SEVENTH ANNUAL K AWASAKI DISE ASE DINNER MAY 3 , 2017 Private Club in Chicago $160,000

1. Kyle Long dances with guests. 2. Bears play-byplay voice Jeff Joniak, who emceed the Gala, and ABC7’s Roz Varon on stage after Varon spoke about her own battle with cancer. 3. Jeremy Langford, Charles Leno, Jr., Akiem Hicks, Jerrell Freeman and Hroniss Grasu at the Gala. MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support Chicago-area breast and ovarian cancer research and treatment programs.

Pictured: Dr. Peter M. Jokich (top left), Dr. Abde Abukhdeir (bottom left) and Dr. Sasha H. Shafikhani (bottom middle) of Rush University.

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Event Chairs: Megan and Joe Krouse and Kate and Philip Van Vlack, IV Honorary Chairs: Annie and Dan Barlow, Ellen and Bobby Largay, and Eve and Randy Rogers.

The dinner honored Stanford Shulman, MD, and Anne Rowley, MD, the lead KD researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Corporate sponsor: JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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1. Chairs Joe and Megan Krouse (Evanston), Kate and Philip Van Vlack IV (Winnetka).

2. Dan and Annie Barlow (Chicago), Ellen and Bobby Largay (Wilmette) (all Honorary Chairs).

3. Greer Talty (Winnetka) and Mary Largay (Wilmette) MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will benefit Lurie Children’s Center for Kawasaki Disease.

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This year’s luncheon honored State Senator Melinda Bush (Civic Leader), Merced Alfaro (Education), Dr. Frances Baxley, MD (Health), Daphne Dickens King (Racial Justice), Jiquanda Nelson (Emerging Leader) and Imani Bah (Young Woman of Achievement).

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Rebecca Skloot, author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” served as keynote speaker.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF YWCA LAKE COUNTY

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YWCA LAKE COUNTY’S WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON MAY 18 , 2017 Noah’s Event Venue, Lincolnshire $75,000

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

1. Kathy April Rush, Imani Bah (Young Women of Achievement Honoree), and Treopia Cannon (CEO) 2. Rebecca Skloot, Honorees, YWCA CEO and Board of Directors 3. Rebecca Skloot addressing guests MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will help YWCA Lake County serve thousands of women, children and families in Lake County through their programs and services.

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ALZHEIMER’S A SSOCIATION ’S REASON TO HOPE APRIL 6 , 20 AND 27, 2017 Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus, Oak Brook; The Glen Club, Glenview; Hyatt Regency, Chicago More than $250,000

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1. Erna Colborn, Regional 9 Leader and Chapter Executive of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, and Marty Wilke, President and General Manager of CBS 2 Chicago, at the Oak Brook Reason to Hope on April 6. 2. Marilyn Chinn LeTourneau at the North Shore Reason to Hope on April 20. 3. Mona Savard, Jill Mikita and Denis Savard at the Oak Brook Reason to Hope on April 6. MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

#BETTERMAKERS

L AUNCH : DRIVING FA SHION FORWARD

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APRIL 9, 2017 Autohaus on Edens $10,650

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PHOTOS BY EUGENIA GALLARDO PHOTOGRAPHY

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1. Tamara TaylorHolmes 2. Clothing and accessories from Juniper Boutique 3. Rick Glickman of Dream Kitchens, Inc.; Michael Rosengarden of Autohaus on Edens; Michelle Morris of Make It Better; and Eric Zitron of Z-Marketing.

MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s student/educator programs and special exhibitions.

Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

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#BETTERMAKERS

MAKE IT BET TER’S 5TH ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY AWARDS

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MAY 3 , 2017 Wintrust’s Grand Banking Hall This event celebrated 5 years of Philanthropy Award winners and featured the premiere, public screening of our current winners’ award videos.

Event Sponsors: Wintrust, Tracy Clifford Style, Imperial Lamian.

Award Sponsors: Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation, Kellogg Nonprofit Executive Education Team

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PHOTOS BY ERICA BARRACA; IMPACT PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

#BETTERMAKERS

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1. Liz Livingston Howard, Director of Nonprofit Executive Education, Kellogg School of Management, and member of Academy of Judges of Philanthropy Awards; Sharon P. Krone, Executive Director, Make It Better Foundation 2. Kate Gallagher, SVP, Regional Director, Wintrust Bank; Bob Pratt, Chief, Antitrust Bureau, Attorney General’s Office for the State of Illinois; Cathy Pratt, EVP Retail Banking, North Shore Community Bank. 3. Paige Ponder, CEO, One Million Degrees (winner); Susan Noyes, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Make It Better Media 4. Representatives from New Moms, Inc. (winner) including Laura Zumdahl, President & CEO (second from the right) 5. Mindy Fauntleroy, Co-Founder, Make It Better Media; Sandra Miller, Director, Major Gifts, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab 6. Emcee Suzanne Le Mignot, Anchor and Reporter, CBS 2 Chicago 7. Francia Harrington, President & Chief Strategy Officer, Make It Better Media 8. Patricia Spratt, Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County; Adam Alonso, Executive Director BUILD, Inc. (winner) 9. Xochitl Cruz, Program Manager, One Million Degrees; Danielle McConnell, Program Manager, One Million Degrees; Megan McCormick, Program Coordinator, One Million Degrees 10. Erica Barraca, Art Director, Make It Better Media; Denise Borkowski; Michelle Morris, Publisher, Make It Better Media; Brooke McDonald, Editor In Chief, Make It Better Media MIB IMPACT: Make It Better’s 5th Annual Philanthropy Awards honored New Moms (Human Services: Empowerment Award, top left), BUILD, Inc. (Social Justice Award, top right) and One Million Degrees (Education Award, bottom right).

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# L O C A LT R E A S U R E

THE 12 BEST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUPS IN CHICAGO

BY PA M E L A R OT H B A R D

Brian Shields, co-founder of Coder Inc., says it best: “They’re a great way to get involved early with philanthropy in the city and build a network of like-minded friends passionate about supporting causes that you believe in. Joining a nonprofit board can help develop your professional skill set, expand your social circle, and give back to the community.”

We’ve identified our favorite young professionals groups in Chicago. Each of our featured organizations generally expects meeting attendance, committee involvement and some level of fundraising; these responsibilities tend to be coupled with inclusion in fun and relevant social events.

American Cancer Society Associate Board of Ambassadors Committed to philanthropic efforts in support of the Society’s mission to eliminate cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. They’ve raised more than $1 million for their cause in the past 10 years.

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2 Anne & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of

Chicago Affiliated Board — The Junior Council In 29 years, this group has raised more than $2 million to benefit Lurie Children’s Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Programs, ensuring that all diagnosed children have access to high-quality pediatric healthcare.

3 Auxiliary Board of Shedd Aquarium The Auxiliary raised more than $580,000 in 2016; their goal is to raise awareness about this great Chicago cultural institution both in state and beyond, working closely with Shedd staff members.

4 Catholic Charities Junior Board With their motto of “Looking Forward, Giving Back,” this faithbased junior board is comprised of members with a desire to enact community action, serve as volunteers, and engage in social fundraising as well as theological exploration.

5 Evening Associates of the Art Institute Young professionals, innovators and philanthropists who are under 40 and interested in promoting an appreciation of the arts need look no further. Named the 2015 Associate Board of the Year by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago.

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CSO Soundpost Event

6 Joffrey Auxiliary Board This group seeks to bring young Chicagoans to the ballet, as well as to promote and support the Joffrey Ballet company. Their signature Generation J event provides performance tickets paired with cocktails hosted with company members three times each season.

7 Junior League of Chicago This organization of women is committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. Members donate more than 200,000 volunteer hours each year to build better, healthier communities.

8 Lyric Young Professionals A group of opera-curious Lyric fans dedicated to building the next generation of supporters for Lyric Opera Chicago. Their fundraising directly benefits the Patrick G. and Shirley Ryan Opera Center, Lyric’s opera training program.

The Overture Council of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association Want to shape how the next generation of CSO patrons engage with the orchestra? The Overture Council offers support of the programs of the Negaunee Music Institute, which engages young musicians and other community members with the music of the CSO.

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10 PAWS Chicago Professional Board This group of young professionals supports the mission of one of the nation’s largest “No Kill” animal shelters through volunteering, fostering pets and planning fundraisers. Members commit to two-year membership to ensure continuity and engagement.

11 Steppenwolf Associates With an eye toward inspiring Chicago teens to become lifelong fans of theater, the Steppenwolf Associates describe themselves as “a collective of the curious, the creative, and the compassionate.” Their fundraising cause is the support of Steppenwolf for Young Adults.

12 Young Professionals Network of the Chicago Council

on Global Affairs This is the premier place to connect with other globally minded and civically engaged young leaders in Chicago. Members engage and interact with the world’s most influential thinkers and doers and connect with Chicago’s business and civic leaders.

PHOTO BY TODD ROSENBERG

Community organization boards are generally stocked with seasoned executives, but there is a way for those earlier in their career to get involved and be heard — junior boards and young professionals groups.

#MAKEITBETTER

A BETTER FUTURE:

MAKE IT BETTER NEEDS YOU TO JOIN US ON THE NEXT LEG OF OUR JOURNEY

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

“Change is the only constant in life,” said Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher.

This statement is also true in publishing.

Thank you for reading and caring about this print magazine.

It has been a great pleasure for our talented staff and loyal advertisers to bring it to you for the last eight years, as the print companion to our vibrant online community.

You’ve long heard us say that we strive to be powerful, positive connectors. Embedded in our mission is our commitment to creating, facilitating and extending virtuous circles.

After time spent evaluating our current model and seeking to find the most effective way forward in our ongoing effort to achieve maximum impact, we’ve been exploring discontinuing our free print magazine model. We’re learning that our dedicated audience loves to join us online, and that makeitbetter.net is where we are best able to provide a home to content that not only reaches a far broader audience, but also lives on long after the print magazine

fades. We’re therefore asking those who haven’t yet joined us online to do so now, as we consider discontinuing this print product. But, before we do that, we would like your input.

We need to know if you enjoy this print magazine enough to help keep it going. There are a variety of options by which we can accomplish this, if we get sufficient interest from you — our print audience.

Therefore, we ask for your help and input as we think about our own transition to a bolder, more impactful future. Please take our online survey at makeitbetter.net/mibsurvey.

As a reward for your efforts, you will be entered in a raffle to earn a $500 shopping spree.

Your time, attention and demographic information are very valuable to us. We promise to use them wisely and confidentially, too.

Thank you for being with us every step of the way — we can’t wait to share our next phase with you!

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# C LO S I N GT H O U G H T S

“She is always a novelty, for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time.”

— MARK TWAIN

Summer is THE time to experience the "Best Of" Chicago. We want to hear how you spend your #chicagosummer.

Show us by tagging @makeitbetterNS in your summer fun posts!

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866.693.9336 | myeyedr.com WE WELCOME ALL INSURANCES

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