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PLUS: 3RD ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY AWARD WINNERS
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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4
REDDIT FOUNDER AARON SWARTZ'S INSPIRING LEGACY RPM STEAK REVIEW
DIGITAL EDITION
NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute
ADVANCING YOUR HEART’S HEALTH ONE BEAT AT A TIME. At NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute, we know how much others count on you. So you’re cared for by a team of leading heart specialists with comprehensive expertise—from A-Fib and Coronary Artery disease programs to wellness, prevention and intervention. We also provide: • • •
Top interventional cardiologists and lipidologists (for cholesterol management) Nonsurgical and surgical approaches as well as minimally invasive procedures Collaboration with Mayo Clinic, sharing knowledge and second opinions
At NorthShore University HealthSystem, excellence is advanced heart care, focused on you.
To learn more about our Cardiovascular Institute, visit northshore.org/cardio or call (847) 86-HEART.
Cardiovascular Institute
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RPM STEAK Turn to page 72
FEATURES
PHOTO COURTESY OF LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU
M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 5 • V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 4
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By Jenny Muslin, Kristina Tober and Lisa Zimbler
By Laura Levy Shatkin
Spring Clean Your Life
Portland: Weird in the Best Way
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By Tate Gunnerson
By Shannan Younger
Curio Condo
Summer Camp Guide
57
Spring Clean Your Wardrobe By Evangeline Politis
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3rd Annual Philanthropy Awards
By Anna Carlson, Julie Chernoff, Mindy Fauntleroy, Maura Flaherty, Susan B. Noyes and Meghan Streit Cover photographed by John Reilly Photography. Cover look information on page 15.
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DEPARTMENTS FAMILY
44 D isciplining Other People’s Children 27
By Melanie Kalmar
By Shannan Younger
By Shannan Younger
48 Fun for All Ages: Family Camps 52 From Minecraft to Mars: Tech Camps 55 2015 Camp Directory A BETTER YOU
66 A Romantic Spring Look to Fall in Love With
By Jenny Muslin
68 7 Addictive Fashion
and Beauty Blogs To Follow
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By Jenny Muslin
70 7 Things Women Should Know
About Divorce Before Getting One By Marjie Killeen
82 Why Your Teen Needs A Summer Job
By Meghan Streit
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
72 RPM Steak: Get Your Motors Running
By Julie Chernoff
74 Taco Town
By Julie Chernoff
76 Books To Clean Up Your Act
74
By Kelly Konrad
77 No...Not Again!
By Val Haller
78 ” First Wives’ Club”
Hits the Second City
83
By Julie Chernoff
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
90 Better Makers and Their Impact 96 E vanston Scholars Mentors Help
IN EVERY ISSUE
12 Publisher’s Letter 15 Cover Look 16 You Said It 18 Fresh 20 Recommended Events 22 Events Listing 24 Make It Better Column 88 Give Time, Give Things, Give Support
98 Closing Thoughts
Low-Income Teens Thrive in College
By Maura Flaherty
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PUBLISHER’S LET TER
Dear Readers, Welcome to our “Spring Clean” and Philanthropy Awards issue. As always, it is our great pleasure to present this magazine to you. This time, though, it’s been a more chaotic process than we intended getting this book finalized, to the printer and into your mailbox and the accompanying outstanding online content posted. That’s also why this issue is a particularly good metaphor for life. We yearn to perfectly organize our lives, families, homes and plans to realize the potential and dreams of everyone we love—and our own as well. We look for the best possible resources to help. However, we make our plans and God laughs…or things just go awry. My mother used to tell me, “Quitters never win and winners never quit.” Now mom is a bit older and wiser; accordingly, her advice is a bit more nuanced: “Winners can stop doing something if their heart is not in it—winners can redirect. That takes confidence in itself.”
LIFE
BY SUSAN B . NOYE S
With a special nod toward helping parents, this is a big call-out for our story on page 24 about Highland Park’s late Aaron Swartz and the film, “The Internet’s Own Boy,” about his inspiring life and its tragic end. We all need to understand the issues and help Aaron’s parents and others carry on his legacy of waking up each day and doing everything possible to make the world a better place. There is even more outstanding content online at makeitbetter.net. Please check it out. If you haven’t already done so and you like being in the know for tips, trends, things to do and timely recommendations, please subscribe to our email newsletter—the “Better Letter”—while you are there, as well as subscribing/following/friending Make It Better through all of the social networks you use. Thank you.
MONEY RAISED FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: $3,932,652.39
We believe: …People want to connect with others in a meaningful way, and the fastest route to a better world is by helping them do so. ...In fostering collaboration and creating virtuous circles that encourage people and organizations with similar values to work together. Therefore, our Mission is: To be the most trusted, easiest-to-use community resource that helps you make your life and the lives of others better, by connecting our audience to the businesses and nonprofits they support —online, in print and in person.
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ORGANIZING
So we didn’t let the unexpected slow us down bringing you the best possible content we can. And you now hold in your hand a beautiful magazine full of helpful advice to redirect and reorganize—your life, home, kids, reading and listening lists, and the use of your time, talents and treasure for philanthropy too.
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ONLINE
EMAIL-NEWSLETTER : MAKEITBETTER .NET/SUBSCRIBE
OUR BETTER HALF IS ONLINE
•
FOLLOW:
get to know the 2014 philanthropy award winners! To learn more about this year’s inspiring group of winners and watch their brand-new prize videos, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/PHILANTHROPYAWARDS
Sure, Chicago has great deep dish, but spring showers can keep you indoors. Instead of venturing outside for pizza, stay dry and make your own tasty pie! You’ll also find our favorite products to make sure your next pizza party is cheesy perfection. MAKEITBETTER.NET/PIZZA
NEW college town tour series College visits are made easy with this new series that will help you hit the hot spots in each college town. From the Big 10 to the Ivies, these comprehensive “study guides” will show you where to stay, eat and play. MAKEITBETTER.NET/COLLEGE
what’s hot on makeitbetter.net OUTINGS & TRAVEL
10 Destination Spas That Are So Worth the Trip ORGANIZATION
Picture Perfect: How to Create a Gorgeous Gallery Wall FAMILY FUN
10 Secrets of Happy Families DÉCOR & DESIGN
6 Old-School Design Rules You Should Break FASHION
Look Stylish While You Snooze
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5 cool apps to help you plan your weekend Looking for something fun to do this weekend? There are LOTS of great apps for that. Whether you’re looking for something new to do with family or friends or simply want to find the best deals, these apps will help you plan the Best. Weekend. Ever. MAKEITBETTER.NET/WEEKEND
PIZZA PHOTO BY LESLEY SMITH, YALE PHOTO BY MICHAEL MARSLAND
homemade pizza recipe
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COVER LOOK
CHRISTINE SHERRILL STAR OF “FIRST WIVES CLUB”
PIZZA PHOTO BY LESLEY SMITH, YALE PHOTO BY MICHAEL MARSLAND
Clothing courtesy of Frances Heffernan, Winnetka, francesheffernan.com Acris navy two-layer cotton-crochet top and asymmetrical skirt Jewelry courtesy of Cy Fredrics Jewelers, Glenview, cyfredrics.com 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet, $6500 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, with 2.31ct of round diamonds, $1400 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant, set with 5.69ct of round diamonds on a yellow gold oval link chain, $12,000 18K Yellow and White Gold Circle Hoops, set with 2.42ct of round diamonds, $8500
Photographed by John Reilly Photography Cover and p. 80 stylists: Hair by Toni Scavo; Makeup by Jeri Delgado Stylists courtesy of Marianne Strokirk Salons, Chicago, mariannestrokirk.com
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Make It Better
Thanks for all the emails, letters, tweets and Facebook messages this month! Here’s what you had to say:
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“I wanted to tell you that I’m really enjoying the Make It Better magazine. I think you guys are doing a great job, and I’m picky! I enjoy the North Shore perspective (not always altruistic), combined with the ways people on the North Shore can and DO make a difference. I think that many women around here are looking to do some good, and it’s nice to read about it.” —Eve Williams
“I love reading Make It Better every month. It is an extraordinary magazine with well-written articles that are highly relevant to its readers.” — Samuel K. Skinner, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Former White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Secretary of Transportation
“Thanks to our partnership with MIB and your profiles of A Better Chicago, A Better Chicago has received a total of $78,000 in donations over the past two years! $51,000 of this support came from one family alone. They read about A Better Chicago in your magazine and reached out to learn more.” — Liam Krehbiel and Julie Hoffman, A Better Chicago
“It’s nice to see this focus on the harmful effects of too much sugar, especially sugar-sweetened beverages. It’s time we got off the low-fat craze and addressed our sugar consumption. Thanks for the great article and links.” — Lisa Oldson, MD, Obesity Medicine specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Michael Del Piero @delpieromichael Thanks so much @makeitbetterNS for featuring us on breaking the rules! http://#interiordesign #designlove #michaeldelpiero
Big Blue Swim School @BigBlueSwimming @BuffaloGrovePPN We’re super excited to bring @MakeItBetterNS ‘s best swim-lesson experience to @BuffaloGrove_IL
Jennifer Avello @JenniferAvello Shooting #spring #fashion for @makeitbetterns in my dream home. But first, cake. http://tmblr.co/ZeytVy1cjewip
Bruce Aidells @bruceaidells (in reference to Karen Levin’s online article) Leah Chase would be proud of you for coming up with a great gumbo recipe.
Scared Sugarless: Why Sugar is Making Us Fat (Jan/Feb 2015)
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588 Lincoln Ave. Winnetka, IL, 60093 | 847-256-4642 Publisher & Co-CEO Susan B. Noyes Co-CEO Mindy Fauntleroy Associate Publisher Michelle Morris Editor In Chief Julie Chernoff Managing Editor Meghan Streit Digital Editor Lindsay Roseman Assistant Editor Anna Carlson Philanthropy Editor Maura Flaherty Art Director Lesley Smith Designer Melissa Johnston Beauty Editor Dining Editor Fashion Editor Finance Editor Fitness Editor Home Editor Senior Living Editor Sex & the Suburbs Editor Contributing Writers
Jenny Muslin Julie Chernoff Evangeline Politis Meghan Streit Christy Coughlin Tate Gunnerson Stuart Greenblatt Marjie Killeen Val Haller Melanie Kalmar Kelly Konrad Kristina Tober Shannan Younger Lisa Zimbler
Digital Marketing Editor Laura Levy Shatkin Photographers Jennifer Avello John Reilly Design Intern Jessica Van De Loo
Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida Ad Sales Manager Megan Holbrook Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Julie Carter
Account Executive Denise Borkowski
Executive Sales Planner Haley Hughes Director of Videography Katy Nielsen GOT FEEDBACK? Email susan@makeitbetter.net TO ADVERTISE: Contact michellemorris@makeitbetter.net HAVE AN EVENT? Email anna@makeitbetter.net
Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 7 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 588 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2015 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved. Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 588 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2015 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.
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WHAT’S NEW?
BY ANNA CARLSON AND JULIE CHERNOFF
It’s Beer O’Clock in Evanston
For a once-dry town, Evanston is making up for lost time. The owners of this über-local nanobrewery, Shawn Decker and Cesar Marron, met through Evanston’s Homebrew Club and decided to partner up to open Sketchbook Brewing. They produce “fine beers in small batches,” selling growlers and kegs to both members and the general public out of their Evanston brewing facility. Currently, there’s no seating or food, just the tasting and selling of inventive beers and hard ciders. So pull up to the taps and grab a “No Parking” Session Pale Ale, a “Cheerio!” Oat and Wheat Porter, or a “Sparta Tarta” Cherry Cider while Frances E. Willard spins in her grave. SKETCHBOOK BREWING COMPANY: 825 Chicago Ave. (alley entrance), Evanston, 847-859-9051, sketchbookbrewing.com—JC
Excellent Exhibit
When you walk inside this new lifestyle boutique, don’t be afraid to fall in love with what you see because everything is for sale. Exhibit, which opened in November, is a fully curated apartment-style space filled with furniture, clothing, jewelry and accessories that local owners Mari-Rose McManus and Anne Kelly describe as “mid-century modern meets industrial meets Liberace.” Stop by the shop on the first Thursday of every month from 5-8 p.m. for a cocktail hour. EXHIBIT: 1148 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-5840, shopexhibit.com—AC
A Purr-fect “Pawtique”
The employees at The Glen Town Center’s new pet boutique know that there’s nothing more important to a pet owner than the health and well being of their four-legged children. Wet Nose, which opened in December, specializes in natural foods and gourmet treats that will leave your furry friend healthy and happy. You’ll also find toys, apparel, bedding and more gifts that are sure to get tails wagging. WET NOSE: 1976 Tower Drive, Glenview, 847-998-4500, wetnose.com—AC 18
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North Shore fans barely had time to mourn the passing of Jerry’s/Corner Cooks with the prompt February opening of Taste on Chestnut, but new owner Steve Leviton is up to the challenge. Leviton brings his experience gleaned in the kitchens of Kiki’s Bistro and Highland Park’s Exmoor Country Club to bear with unique twists on favorite foods. Highlights include the juicy Berkshire Farms Pork Chop with Truffled Mac ‘n’ Cheese; the über-tender Braised Short Rib on Mascarpone Polenta; and the crunchy Chinoise Salad with Roasted Chicken and Asian-Mustard Vinaigrette. Welcome to Winnetka! TASTE ON CHESTNUT: 505 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-441-0134, tasteonchestnut.com—JC
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS
Taste This
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EVENTS
R E C O M M E N D E D
BY ANNA CARLSON
Stay up to date on all the happenings. MAKEITBETTER.NET/EVENTS
editor’s pick Cristina Henríquez March 18 | Instituto Cervantes of Chicago—Auditorium, 31 W. Ohio St., Chicago chicagohumanities.org Cristina Henríquez’s “The Book of Unknown Americans” made our list of “Books to be Thankful For” in November, and we’re not the only ones inspired by her novel. The author will return to the Chicago Humanities Festival for a talk and book signing.
(the longest in conference history). The Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place March 4-8 at Hoffman Estates’ Sears Centre Arena.
MAR
“For the Record: Dear John Hughes” u March 5-15 | Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago | broadwayinchicago.com If anyone can appreciate a John Hughes film, it’s those of us in the Chicago area, so this Los Angeles series is making its way north with “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and more favorites. The cast features Chicago natives Patrick Mulvey and Jackie Seiden, as well as Rumer Willis. MAR
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Let’s Talk About Ending Sex Trafficking and Globally 6 Locally March 6 | The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston | YWCA.celebrations.com/IWD2015 Join The Woman’s Club of Evanston and keynote speakers Kaethe Morris Hoffer and Brenda Myers-Powell for a breakfast in honor of International Women’s Day 2015. Hoffer and Myers-Powell will discuss Illinois’ fight against the commercial sex industry and share how you can take action. MAR
2015 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament 11 March 11-15 | United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago | bigten.org Some of the best college basketball players (and teams) in the country will have the opportunity to play in one of the best sports venues in the country for a five-day tournament MAR
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Dyeing of the Chicago River 14 March 14 | Chicago River, Chicago choosechicago.com This can’t-miss tradition will begin at 9:30 a.m., so get downtown early to ensure a good view. Then at noon, the 2015 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at Balbo and Columbus, with a viewing stand in front of Buckingham Fountain. MAR
Chicago Flower & Garden Show u 14 March 14-22 | Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | chicagoflower.com After a white winter, it will be nice to see some greenery. Visitors will find inspiration for their own gardens, learn from horticulture experts and enjoy cooking demonstrations. Kids can also participate in gardening crafts. MAR
Flashlight Egg Hunt 20 March 20 | Gillson Park, Sheridan Road and Michigan Avenue, Wilmette | wilmettepark.org Your kids can hunt for eggs in the dark this year at Gillson Park’s Wallace Bowl. Most eggs will contain a prize, including candy or tickets for special items given after the hunt is over. Pre-registration is required and closes March 10. MAR
Kids Against Hunger 21 March 21 | Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka | wnrotary.org Join groups and individuals from around our community as they give back by packing 100,000 meals for those in need in Nicaragua. Shifts will fill up, so make sure to register early. MAR
Chicago Cubs Home Opener April 5 | Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago cubs.com This offseason left Cubs fans with lofty expectations, so whether you buy tickets or watch from your own friendly confines at home, don’t miss your first chance to see the team in action against division rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. APR
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“For the Record: Dear John Hughes”
“Anything Goes” 8 Opens April 8 | The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire marriotttheatre.com If you’re in need of a “de-lovely” evening, make your way to Lincolnshire for this Cole Porter classic that features hit songs “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You” and, of course, “Anything Goes.”
FLOWER PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW; “DEAR JOHN HUGHES” PHOTO COURTESY OF BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
APR
“Carousel” Opens April 10 | Lyric Opera, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago lyricopera.org In 2014, the Lyric stage was alive with “The Sound of Music.” This year, Jenn Gambatese, who starred in that production as Maria, is back for another Rodgers and Hammerstein show, “Carousel.” APR
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Launch: Driving Fashion Forward 12 | Autohaus on Edens, 1600 12 April Frontage Road, Northbrook launchfashionshow.com The North Shore’s finest boutiques, including J.McLaughlin, Juniper, Sara Campbell, Skandal and The Lake Forest Shop, will show off their best looks for spring while you shop trunk shows, sip on champagne and sample light bites from Morton’s The Steakhouse. Proceeds will benefit The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem at Highland Park for Kellogg Cancer Center, and silent and live auctions will benefit The Winnetka Club. Make It Better is a proud sponsor of this event. APR
Howie Day 18 April 18 | SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | evanstonspace.com The “Collide” singer will play some old favorites and a few new tunes from his latest album, available April 14. APR
Chicago Improv Festival April 20-26 | Various locations, Chicago | chicagoimprovfestival.org The best in the improv biz will convene on Chicago for this laugh-out-loud-funny festival, now in its 18th year. In addition to the fest’s performances, fans can register for workshops and work on their own comedy chops. APR
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2015 NFL Draft and Fan Festival 30 April 30-May 2 | Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago | auditoriumtheatre.org The red carpet will be rolled out on Michigan Avenue as the country’s best young football players wait to see if they’ll get a chance to play in the NFL. Fans can either buy tickets for the draft or take in all the action from Grant Park and Congress Plaza, the site of a free fan festival. APR
Chicago Flower & Garden Show
Derek Lam at collection 14 neapolitan April 14-18 | neapolitan collection, 715 Elm St., Winnetka | neapolitanonline.com Mark your calendars, fashionistas. neapolitan collection will host a Derek Lam trunk show, and the designer, who has been worn by Julianne Moore, Zoe Saldana and Blake Lively, will make a personal appearance. APR
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Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden
MARCH/APRIL
HIGHLIGHTS BY ANNA CARLSON
The Orchid Show Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org “Marie Antoinette” Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago steppenwolf.org Doris Salcedo Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago | mcachicago.org “The Diary of Anne Frank” Writers Theatre, 321 Park Ave., Glencoe writerstheatre.org Native Haute Couture Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston mitchellmuseum.org
MARCH
“Two Trains Running” Opens March 7 Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | goodmantheatre.org Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra March 12 Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston | pickstaiger.org
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Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690-1840 Opens March 17 Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | artic.edu Eric Church March 20 Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont | rosemont.com/allstate Doggy Egg Hunt March 21 Centennial Park, 225 Sheridan Road, Winnetka | winpark.org Weekend Family Class: Gumballs & Superballs March 21 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org Bites & Brews March 26 The Glen Club, 2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview glenviewchamber.com “The Color Purple” Mother-Daughter Book Group March 26 Barnes and Noble, 5405 Touhy Ave., Skokie barnesandnoble.com Sleepover with the Animals March 28 Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago lpzoo.org
PHOTO COURTEST OF CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
ONGOING
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APRIL
REO Speedwagon April 2 Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan | geneseetheatre.com Music from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute April 4 Bennett Gordon Hall, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park | ravinia.org Easter Egg Brunch April 5 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org Paula Poundstone April 10 Center Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie northshorecenter.org In Mahler’s Shadow (Part 3) April 12 Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook | northbrooksymphony.org Chicago International Movies & Music Festival April 16-19 Various locations, Chicago | cimmfest.org Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) April 24-26 McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | c2e2.com One Book, Everybody Reads: Jane Smiley, “Some Luck” April 26 Wilmette Jr. High School, 620 Locust Road, Wilmette | wilmettelibrary.info/onebook Bird Walk: Glorious Spring Songbirds April 30 Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods brushwoodcenter.org
SPONSORED LISTING
Going Green Matters Community Fair March 8 Woman’s Club of Wilmette 930 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette goinggreenmatters.org Looking for ways to live sustainably? You’ll find great options for home, transportation and recreation at this fun fair featuring Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s stunning displays and novel 100 Year Vision for the economic and ecological future of the Great Lakes.
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MAKE IT BET TER COLUMN
THE TRAGIC STORY OF
AARON SWARTZ CAN ALSO INSPIRE AND INFORM BY SUSAN B . NOYE S
On Jan. 11, 2013, at age 26, Swartz committed suicide in reaction to a protracted federal felony prosecution based on downloading documents through the MIT library system. Ironically, he actually was entitled to do this because of his work at MIT and Harvard. Sir Tim Berners Lee, inventor of the world wide web, declared in his eulogy that the world had lost one of its great minds.
Swartz was the oldest of three very bright brothers who all attended North Shore Country Day School. Videos made by their mother Susan lovingly document their childhood and Swartz’s early keen interest in computers. By age 12, he had created a site similar to but preceding Wikipedia. As a teen, he worked alongside adults to create the RSS feed, left high school early to attend Stanford, founded and sold Redditt. Renowned Harvard Law School professor Larry Lessing credits Swartz with inspiring him to change his own professional path.
“The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz” (2014), a powerful documentary directed by Brian Knap-
In the film, at events and during our interview, Swartz’s father, Robert, repeatedly declares, “Every
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penberger, tells this tragic story. It also particularly informs parents looking for role models, anyone hoping to better understand the power and possibilities of the digital world and those confused by “keep the Internet free” rhetoric.
PHOTO BY SAGE ROSS
Even if you don’t know who Highland Park’s Aaron Swartz is—or rather was—you or your children know some of his visionary web inventions, which include the RSS feed and the avidly consumed online news site, Redditt. Swartz was a genius, driven to use the web to make the world a better place for as many people as possible. This was his gift. This was his downfall.
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Aaron Swartz
MAKE IT BET TER COLUMN
day Aaron asked himself, ‘What is the most important thing in the world that I could be working on right now?’” Robert and his wife, Susan, are on a mission to continue this legacy.
Every parent of a child who pushes boundaries online should be mindful of Swartz’s experience, but also inspired by his motivation and other actions.
It’s clear that Swartz inherited his “do all you can to make the world better” motivation from his parents, just as he benefited from their encouragement to explore interests deeply and push boundaries.
Even as Swartz fought the felony charges, he led the surprisingly successful movement to stop enactment of “SOPA” (Stop Online Piracy Act) and other laws that would limit access to valuable information on the Internet. He continued to lead with his heart every day, but his battle with the criminal justice system simply overcame him.
“You read about ‘tiger’ moms and programmed kids now,” Robert explains. “We just let them pursue their interests, go where their curiosity led them—as long as they stayed away from videogames and television.” He pauses, then emphasizes, “We are all here not just for our own enjoyment, but also to make the world a better place. Those values were reinforced at home, at school and at our synagogue.” Swartz believed that information benefiting humanity, paid for by public dollars—like university research—should be freely available. He was trying to prove this point when he was arrested. He never intended to profit from the activity. But, as his father declares, “Aaron was the victim of a broken criminal justice system. Our criminal justice system is completely broken.”
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Everyone who grasps the transformational possibilities of the Internet —like Berners Lee and Lessing—deeply mourns Swartz’s death. Now the rest of us need to better understand all the issues embedded in his story and be inspired by his drive to make the world a better place. NOTES: If you don’t yet know Redditt.com, you should. Every significant, savvy American luminary participates in its AMA (“Ask Me Anything” ) opportunities, including President Barack Obama. Your kids are more likely to get their news from Redditt than from any of the sources you prefer. The best online portal to access the film is Creative Commons, which Swartz helped develop.
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FEATURE
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
BY JENNY MUSLIN, KRISTINA TOBER AND LISA ZIMBLER
Spring allegedly arrives soon, but since this is Chicago, we’re not going to see flowers and butterflies quite yet. So instead, we want to help you spring clean your life. Out with the old habits, and in with the new—because spring calls for a fresh start. Tame your fridge; organize that scary medicine cabinet. Reduce, reuse, recycle, renew. And that goes for your outlook and your relationships every bit as much as your home. Take a breath, take a step. One foot in front of the other. Spring cleaning has new meaning. Time to put it all together. Get your spring clean on!
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FEATURE
BY LISA ZIMBLER
Whether you’re facing an empty nest, dealing with a career crisis or just feeling “stuck,” the question, “Where do I go from here?” can be a loaded one. Getting help from the right source is key to successfully moving up or moving on.
SUE BLUE Blue Life Coaching, Northbrook 847-691-6560 Biggest Issue: A desire to be more vital now that kids are older.
JENNIE BURKS Certified Life and Wellness Coach, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center, Lake Forest 847-535-7041 Biggest Issue: Women who are seeking motivation to help accomplish their health-related goals.
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Best Advice: Rather than living vicariously through their children or spouse, Blue believes women making an investment in themselves through life coaching will result in big dividends. “My best tip for women is to live your own life,” Blue says. “If they explore what they love to do and invest more in their own personal development, they are going to be an inspiration to their family and friends.”
Best Advice: “Wake up every morning and say out loud how you want to feel, and what you what to accomplish,” Burks says. “Put positive thoughts out into the universe!” Burks says it’s never too late to start, and she encourages clients to pursue their goals by looking toward the future rather than dwelling on the past.
TULIP PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
Life coaches can be a great resource to help you set and achieve goals, pursue new interests or to gain a fresh perspective on life. We asked five area pros for their insights into the top issues women face—and how you can start making changes today.
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FEATURE
JODY MICHAEL Jody Michael Associates, Chicago 773-275-556 Biggest Issue: Women who feel unfulfilled and empty or confused about their next steps as they enter a new chapter of their lives.
LAURIE SWANSON Wheaton 630-260-7821 Biggest Issue: Successful business professionals who are now starting to dream of a future that gives them greater peace, freedom and joy.
AMY HERTZBERG Aim Life Coaching, Northbrook 773-837-2323
PHOTOS COURTEST OF INDIVIDUALS
Biggest Issue: Busy moms who are looking for “me time.” Women who feel overwhelmed, who are seeking a work-life balance.
Best Advice: Michael says the biggest roadblock to success is negative self-talk that leaves one feeling disempowered and emotionally depleted. “If it’s a loop that you continually play, it is especially devastating to your self-esteem and contributes to self-sabotaging behavior,” she says. “My goal for my clients is complete transformation and optimal performance in life and work.”
Best Advice: “Get still and listen to your inner voice!” says Swanson, who uses tools she’s learned over the past 20 years as both an executive recruiter and Martha Beck Certified Life Coach. Swanson uses dream analysis and dream-building techniques by encouraging her clients to visualize what they want the next stage of their lives to look like, breaking down barriers into smaller, more achievable steps to success. “I believe the answers you are seeking are within,” Swanson says. “I use several metaphor and questioning tools to help discover what clients need to move forward in their lives.”
Best Advice: “Focus on what you ARE currently doing and all that you HAVE accomplished, rather than on what you have not,” Hertzberg says. In her coaching process, Hertzberg uses the AIMS Model, which first encourages a deeper sense of awareness about a client’s current situation, and the obstacles they face in achieving their goals. After mapping out an action plan, Hertzberg’s role then shifts to more of a cheerleader and support system, celebrating her client’s successes one at a time. She views coaching as a priceless investment. “I compare it to beginning a workout program,” Hertzberg says. “Coaching is a workout for your emotional health, for your soul.”
NOTE ABOUT FINDING A COACH: The coaching industry is currently unregulated, so anyone can call herself or himself a life coach. Michael suggests inquiring about what certification a prospective coach holds, the number of years they have been coaching and the number of oneon-one sessions they have completed. For more information about life coaching and finding the right professional for you, visit the International Coach Federation, The Institute for Life Coach Training and Martha Beck.
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FEATURE
BY JENNY MUSLIN
Our bathroom is where we primp and unwind, but once cluttered with cosmetics and toiletries, it becomes more of a mess than a refuge.
PUT IT ON DISPLAY
• Make everyday items like cotton balls and Q-tips accessible and aesthetically pleasing by placing them in glass canisters. Less attractive items like toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash and shaving cream should be kept in drawers and cabinets. • Open shelves look more attractive with natural-colored woven baskets or decorative boxes. Fill these with rolled hand towels and washcloths.
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• Glass jars in varying sizes can hold sponges or bath salts and look beautiful displayed by your tub. • Dippold suggests using trays to arrange frequently used pieces. “Items grouped together on trays can be a beautiful feature in a bathroom,” she says. “I love to group lotions and creams with a small floral arrangement or succulent plant on stone or wood trays right on the counter. In this case, less is definitely more! Decorative boxes made of anything natural are another winner for storage on the counter-top.”
PUT IT AWAY • Sort through old products and toss expired makeup. Don’t hold onto things you really aren’t going to use.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LUXE HOME
It’s time to make your space work better for you. “My belief is that bathrooms, along with bedrooms, should be treated and used as sacred spaces that serve as an escape from the outside world,” says North Shore interior designer Sarah Dippold. “Because of this, organization in a bathroom is key.”
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• Use caddies or bins to organize items in your cabinets. For instance, group manicure essentials in one caddy so when you want to do your nails, you can just pull out the caddy. Bins can be found in an array of styles and materials including jute, rattan, metal and woven fibers. Here you can store larger items like your hairdryer or toilet paper. • Purchase trays or dividers in different sizes to store cosmetics, hair ties, and other small items. Designate a drawer for dental products, another for makeup, and so on. • Store your curling iron or straightening iron on hooks or a hair-styling rack attached to the inside of your cabinets. • Purchase magnetic strips at a hardware store and adhere them to the inside of your medicine cabinet. You can attach small metal items like tweezers, nail clippers and bobby pins.
ADD SOMETHING LIVING
• “Incorporating live plants always works wonders as a finishing touch in a space,” Dippold says. “You can display mineral specimens, coral and fossils to add interest and beauty. Cultivating a calm and peaceful space in your bathroom is such a great gift to yourself.”
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FEATURE
BY KRISTINA TOBER
It’s time to focus on the workhorse of your kitchen. Even if you never cook, chances are your refrigerator sees plenty of action, and it needs your tender loving care. KEEP IT SAFE
Just because your food is stored in the fridge doesn’t mean it’s immune to food-borne illness. • Start with the right temperature: 40 degrees for the fridge, 0 degrees for the freezer. And since most units just give you number controls, you might want to install your own thermometer. • Check the guidelines online at foodsafety.gov on how long to keep food in your fridge. • Typically, the bottom shelf is the coldest and an ideal spot to store thawing meat so it won’t drip on fresh food below. In general, you should store raw meat, fish and poultry in sealed containers so they don’t touch or drip onto other foods. • Clean up any spills immediately. Bacteria like listeria can still grow at normal fridge temperature. Make it a habit to wipe
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down any surfaces you regularly touch—handles, drawer pulls, shelves—with an antibacterial cleanser. • Make sure you don’t overpack your fridge (think about getting a second refrigerator to store drinks and overflow from entertaining). It’s critical that there is ample airflow in your fridge to ensure proper chilling. • No matter how fancy your unit, the door is still the warmest part of your fridge with the biggest fluctuations in temperature. Stick with condiments instead of milk or eggs. • Don’t worry about putting warm food into your fridge, but be sure to leave it uncovered until it cools. And if you don’t get your leftovers in the fridge within two hours, pitch them. • Remember, the pathogens that cause foodborne illness typically don’t affect the taste, smell or appearance of food.
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FEATURE
KEEP IT FRESH
Most refrigerators today offer special compartments designed to ensure and enhance the freshness of food. • There’s the meat and cheese drawer, perfect for everything from sliced ham and Parmesan to hot dogs and pâté. • When it comes to your crisper or produce drawers, keep in mind the effects of ethylene, a natural plant hormone that causes fruit to soften. Fruits like apples, cranberries, peaches, pears, potatoes and tomatoes produce ethylene. Don’t store them in the same drawer as those foods that are sensitive to ethylene, like asparagus, broccoli, cucumbers, greens, strawberries and onions. • When it comes to humidity settings, think low humidity for food that gets moldy, like strawberries and oranges or slimy like carrots and cucumbers. Use the high humidity setting for leafy vegetables.
and textures—not those that cause foodborne illness. Pay attention to expiration dates. • As for the freezer, food stays safe indefinitely if kept at the right temperature. However, the government’s food safety guidelines offer quality suggestions. Make sure to use containers that seal air out and allow you to write down the contents and date stored. You’d be surprised how tomato sauce and beef stew look the same when frozen.
KEEP IT ORGANIZED
As much as you might be tempted to transfer all your food into neat, storage-friendly plastic containers, don’t—unless you are willing to diligently keep note of expiration dates. The egg carton you bring home from the store holds those eggs as tidily as the plastic one provided by your fridge manufacturer—and lets you know when it’s time to pitch them.
• Make a weekly habit of cleaning out your fridge, disposing of any leftovers that are past their prime and check expiration dates on highly perishable foods like milk, eggs, meat and poultry. The best time to do this? Right before you go to the grocery store.
There are a variety of options when it comes to maximizing storage space in your fridge, like soda can dispensers and lean water jugs. Whatever storage containers you use, keep them clear so you can keep an eye on what’s there.
• Remember, according to the USDA, typically it’s the spoilage bacteria that cause foods to develop unpleasant odors, tastes
Remember: When it comes to refrigerators and keeping food safe for your family, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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RESPITE CARE:
A GREAT SHORT-TERM STAY ALTERNATIVE FOR OLDER ADULTS BY THE HIGHLANDS AT W E S T M I N S T E R P L A C E FOR OLDER ADULTS WHO REQUIRE some day-to-day sup-
portive services, the need for a temporary change in living arrangements can often be difficult. When families want to travel or simply need relief from caregiving, the need for a reliable source of alternative care can often hamper their plans. That’s what makes the respite care program at The Highlands at Westminster Place such a great choice. A short-term or respite stay, ranging anywhere from one to six months, can be a convenient option when a planned visit or unforeseen circumstance requires a temporary change in living arrangements. At the Highlands, seniors in the respite care program receive all the same benefits and services as assisted living residents. Amenities include a fully furnished apartment, three meals a day, linen and laundry service, assistance with dressing, bathing and medication administration as needed. Respite residents also receive the same access to the state-of-the-art fitness center and classes with personal trainers available to full-time residents. Respite residents also meet with a welcoming committee hostess who will take them through all the classes, programs and social activities that The Highlands of Westminster Place has to offer.
To learn more, call (847) 866-1615 or email ctatarowicz@presbyterianhomes.org
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HOME
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A jumbo modernist condo in Winnetka receives a facelift that makes it a perfect backdrop for the ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; collection of Asian and African artifacts. BY TATE GUNNERSON PHOTOS BY ERIC HAUSMAN; FREDMAN DESIGN GROUP
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HOME
“THIS IS NIRVANA,” SAYS THE owner
of a 4,000-square-foot condo in Winnetka. After raising four children in a much smaller home, the empty nesters decided to shake things up by upsizing into a modernist condo designed by Ernest “Tony” Grunsfeld. The full-floor unit, which was originally two three-bedroom units, provides plenty of space for the couple’s collection of rare Asian and African objects, which they have amassed during their international travels. “I love the Orient, and having these things in my home is the next best thing to going back,” the wife says. To update the once avant-garde, now dated pink and black
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décor, the owners called in their longtime interior designer, Aimee Nemeckay of Susan Fredman Design. “Aimee is a very good people person, and she doesn’t try to impose her will, because that wouldn’t work well with me,” the wife says. “I like elegance and simplicity. Less is more.” Following that edict, Nemeckay teamed up with fellow Fredman designer, Amanda Zitlin, to create a neutral color scheme that fosters a sense of flow between the spacious rooms. Fine fabrics, eye-catching wall coverings and whimsical light fixtures provide texture and interest. Their vision for the space can be seen in the front foyer, where a
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Form meets function in the master bathroom, which has a floating vanity with a built-in bench and shelf and an uplift medicine cabinet. “We cut the notch in the ceiling to be able to receive the uplift cabinet,” Zitlin says. “The notch in the ceiling felt like a fun interplay with the notch in the stone. It’s all about creating those little reveals and a bit of rhythm.”
custom rug called Sapere Atelier, which Nemeckay designed with Oscar Isberian, adds color and takes emphasis off of the original tile floors. In the nearby hallway, the designers added a wall covering with a stylized chinoiserie pattern that complements an antique Chinese bench. “I like the different vignettes that I see when I’m standing at various points in the apartment,” Nemeckay says. “The juxtapositions are just so rich.” The medley of influences extends into the spacious great room, which has three distinct areas. To anchor the TV area, the designers incorporated a custom media cabinet with teak doors and covered one wall with a large-scale floral patterned covering, which makes an ideal backdrop for a six-panel Japanese screen. “It’s about creating that balance between the foreground and the background,” Nemeckay says. “We needed something interesting for the background,
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so the art would have some context.” Although the spaces in the massive room are open to each other, subtle variations in the overall color palette also serve to delineate specific areas. “We didn’t want it to be one color palette, so the living room is the lighter room, and the dining room is more dark and dramatic,” Zitlin says. Behind the sofa, they placed an oversized black floor lamp, which adds a touch of whimsy and also references the black lacquer furniture in the dining area on the opposite side of the room. “It has such an interesting scale, and we thought the owner would really love it,” Zitlin says. According to the owners, the project was an enjoyable experience from start to finish. “Decorating this place was like being in a candy store,” the wife says. “One doesn’t get an opportunity to do that very often, if ever, and it was delightful.”
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FAMILY | travel
PORTLAND: Weird in the Best Way
B Y L A U R A L E V Y S H AT K I N
Portland is one of the world’s great towns for beer, weirdness, craft food, funky neighborhoods, forest hikes and much more. It’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing, easy to walk or explore by bike and most locals will tell you the frequent rain is merely a bonus. Did I mention that Oregon wine country is less than an hour’s drive from the city? Take a weekend off and give it a visit.
STUFF TO DO
A fun place to find a wide array of uniquely Oregon goods is at the Portland Saturday Market (2 SW Naito Parkway., 503-2226072, portlandsaturdaymarket.com), (open on Saturdays and Sundays, March through Dec. 24). Transforming a section of the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood into a thriving arts and crafts open-air marketplace, it gives you a real taste of the town. For a fix of that woodsy Pacific Northwest, you don’t have to leave the city—just head over to Forest Park (503-2235449; forestparkconservancy.org), the largest natural forested area within a U.S. city’s limits. Bring your bike, running shoes or hiking boots to explore the 5,100 wooded acres and 70 miles of trails and gravel roads. It’s an urban playground of enormous beauty. If it’s water you seek, head out to Portland’s waterfront for one of the many music festivals in spring and summer. The Waterfront Blues Festival (waterfrontbluesfest.com), considered one of the largest blues festivals west of the Mississippi, is a great choice. Proceeds benefit the Oregon Food Bank, so you can feel even better about getting your groove on.
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WHERE TO STAY
The charming Bluebird Guesthouse (3517 S.E. Division St., 503-238-4333, bluebirdguesthouse.com) has just seven guest rooms, so book early. There’s also a spacious common area and a communal kitchen, in case you don’t feel like going out each morning. This beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century bungalow is a fun alternative and it’s located in Southeast Portland’s hot walkable neighborhood that’s loaded with restaurants, cafes and shops. The Jupiter Hotel (800 E. Burnside St., 503-230-9200, jupiterhotel.com) is the retro-trendy place to be, if you don’t mind a little noise. There’s the restaurant and nightclub Doug Fir right on the grounds, making for a wildly fun time and a drive-free night. The heavy hipster presence, live bands and cool outdoor patio are alluring. A Portland landmark, The Heathman Hotel (1001 S.W. Broadway, 503-241-4100, portland.heathmanhotel.com) is on the opposite end of the spectrum, situated in the city’s Pearl District. This boutique hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the downtown theatres, museums and concert halls and is renowned for its classic elegance and impeccable service.
WHAT TO DRINK
What more can I say about Portland’s Distillery Row (distilleryrowpdx.com) other than buy a “passport” and devote a day to strolling around and tasting not only vodkas and gins but absinthe, aquavit, and flavored liqueurs. Taste these small batch spirits from places like Eastside Distilling, House Spirits, New Deal Distillery and Rolling River Spirits. They’re all located
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FAMILY | travel
in an inconspicuous neighborhood of small warehouses and light industrial buildings in Southeast Portland, which is a cinch to get to, with bike lanes along the major roads leading you there. If you’re a pinot noir fan—and not up for the short drive out to wine country—be sure to check out the tasting rooms in town. Head over to Wine Up on Williams (3037 N. Williams Ave., 503-2363377, oregonwineevents.com/WineUpWilliams) where proprietor Wayne will share his knowledge and hospitality. Friday night wine tastings in the basement speakeasy are a fun way to wind down and get your fill of the local vino. If you choose to take the short drive out to Oregon’s Willamette Valley (willamettewines.com), map out the tasting rooms in Dundee Hills (such as Bergstrom Wines or Domaine Drouhin) or Mcminnville (Maysara Winery or Panther Creek Cellars), two of the closest regions. With over 300 wineries, the region has a bounty of amazing properties to visit.
WHERE TO DINE
Start your day off with one of the trendier breakfast spots in the funky North Portland neighborhood’s Tasty and Sons (Hub Building, 3808 N. Williams Ave., Ste. C, 503-621-1400, tastynsons.com). Bike your way over to burn a few calories so you don’t mind indulging in the flakiest biscuits (so buttery!), which rank up there on my list of the best ever. Their cast-iron skillet frittatas are another must try,
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stuffed with the likes of fava beans, olives and caramelized onions. Service is friendly and the room super hip. Dinner at Ned Ludd (3925 NE MLK Blvd, 503 288-6900, nedluddpdx.com) is another must. This self-dubbed “American Craft Kitchen” boasts a seasonal menu that changes weekly depending on the seasonal bounty available in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and greater West Coast region. The lovely folksy ambiance and the back patio have friendly communal tables and a genuine warmth that adds to the pleasure. Pono Farm’s Soul Kitchen is a sleek little Asian-inspired local kitchen located in Northeast Portland (4118 N.E. Sandy Blvd., 503-889-0885, ponofarm.com). Pono Farm is widely known in the area from its well-established presence at the Portland Farmer’s Market. They raise and butcher some of Oregon’s better pork and beef, and smoke amazing jowl bacon. The restaurant menu rotates weekly, depending on their freshest meat, featuring dishes like slow-cooked pork shoulder kakuni with black-truffle congee, “rump carpaccio” with ginger-soy-scallion oil, and house baconfried rice. Unforgettable. Along with great brick-and-mortar restaurants, you’ll find that food trucks abound, with a number of “pods” around town, which makes it super easy to sample lots of different tastes. Just one more way to enjoy what’s special about Portland.
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FAMILY
WHY YOU SHOULD THINK
BEFORE DISCIPLINING SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD BY MELANIE KALMAR
Your child gets smacked by a kid in the sandbox and you watch in dismay as their parent does nothing. If your first instinct is to discipline the kid, take a deep breath, cowboy, and think before you shoot from the hip. Discipline means different things to different people, and your method might be unacceptable to another parent.
“People think discipline is about instilling shame and punishing—it’s not,” says therapist Mallory Rose of The Family Institute at Northwestern University. “Discipline means to teach.” When you discipline someone’s child, you take away the teachable moment and embarrass the parent for not handling it. It’s asking for trouble, Rose says, because much of their identity is tied to being a parent. Instead, inform them of the incident and let them handle it.
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PLAYGROUND POLITICS
The parent present is the parent in charge, say Dr. Margo Jacquot, director of The Juniper Center in Park Ridge and Northfield. “It’s OK to intervene, as long as you’re not bullying or labeling the child. Discipline is correcting the behavior,” Jacquot says. “Focus on the behavior and the lesson you want them to learn from it.” A writer for Traveler magazine prompted a worldwide discussion when she chronicled her international flight on which a child had a seven-hour tantrum and the parents failed to discipline the young girl. Although many passengers were frustrated, nobody on board spoke up. While not everyone who engaged in the discussion online agreed with keeping mum, it was the appropriate choice, according to Evanston therapist Dan Gill.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NBCUNIVERSAL
Consider my friend (we’ll call her Jane), a northwest suburban mom who stopped socializing with another mother because she always disciplined her children before Jane had the chance to do it herself. Even worse, the other mom used blame and humiliation, a tactic Jane thought was damaging. It turns out, the experts agree.
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“If it’s going to be effective, discipline needs to come from an established relationship that involves some measure of trust,” Gill says. “You don’t have that key ingredient with another person’s child.”
TAKE AWAY THE CONTROVERSY
Never discipline a child without their parent’s permission, says Dr. Edward Christopherson, author of “Parenting That Works.” Before a playdate, ask, “In the unlikely event that there’s disruptive or inappropriate behavior on either child’s part, can we agree on how we’re going to handle it?” If you cannot agree, he says, find another playmate. Whenever you’re tempted to discipline someone else’s child, know that it could lead to a confrontation about overstepping boundaries. Before you act, ask yourself, “Is it worth it?”
NOTE:
This controversial issue is even the subject of an eighthour NBC miniseries, “The Slap,” whose all-star cast contends with the fallout from an adult disciplining someone else’s out-of-control child. Which side are you on? Watch “The Slap” on NBC on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Central. nbc.com/the-slap NBC’s “The Slap”
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SPONSORED CONTENT
3. HOW DO YOU MAKE A bespoke FRAME? Similar to a tailor creating a suit, we start with a private consultation to discuss your specific needs. Together, with one of our expert stylists, we take specific and detailed measurements to sculpt a frame that fits you perfectly. Ultimately your frame needs to be a balance of your personality and how you want to be presented. 4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? Once all the fine details have been collected, a designer from Tom Davies will begin handcrafting your frame. Weekly updates are emailed to you from the workshop detailing your frames progression. The entire process, from start to finish, takes about four weeks. 5. WHEN DO YOU ANTICIPATE OPENING? We began construction in February and will open in the Spring.
BY MAKE IT BETTER DR. MIKE HARMS TALKS ABOUT OPTIQUE,
and gives us a sneak peak behind the first ever independent custom order frame dispensary. 1. TELL US ABOUT OPTIQUE. Optique has been a staple in downtown Winnetka for over fifty years. I’ve had the pleasure of serving our amazing clientèle and neighbors for over twenty of those years. We are a unique luxury eyewear boutique which offers eye exams, contact lenses, eyewear and sun wear.
2. WHAT IS bespoke BY OPTIQUE? bespoke is made to order eyewear. This new store began with the idea that “one size does not fit all”. We’ve partnered with London based designer Tom Davies to bring custom made eyewear to the entire Chicagoland area!
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6. IF I DON’T WANT A bespoke FRAME, CAN I STILL SHOP YOUR COLLECTIONS AT OPTIQUE? Absolutely! Optique will continue to carry a wide variety of luxury ready to wear designer frames and sunglasses. 7. WHY OPEN THIS NEW STORE NOW? As a private pay practice we have no insurance limitations or restrictions. We bring in only the highest trending frame designers and use only the best prescription lens materials. Thus ensuring our patients leave with a superior product and the highest quality in eye care. Everyone deserves that perfectly fitted frame. bespoke simply allows us to create the best pair of glasses for every individual.
Visit Optique Today! Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 561 Lincoln Ave. Winnetka, IL 847-446-3917 optiquenorthshore.com
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2015 CAMP GUIDE
Camp Brosius
FUN FOR ALL AGES:
FAMILY CAMPS BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
Family summer camp is a unique bonding experience. “My favorite part is that there’s nothing to do except spend time together. There are no phones, tv or internet. It’s just boating, swimming and fishing,” says Bill Gaul of Evanston, who has spent a week with his family at Camp Nawaka for the past three summers. “My work life is pretty wired, so it’s important to vacation unplugged.” The old school approach is a big part of the fun of family camps. “We do talent show skits, sing campfire songs, and watch our kids do the same thing,” says Ann Skirvin of Bloomington, Ind., who has attended Camp Brosius with her family for 12 years. “It creates a bond that you don’t find on other family vacations. These are memories our children will take with them for a lifetime and can pass on to their kids.”
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WISCONSIN
Camp Brosius (petm.iupui.edu/brosius) is a family camp located in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., owned and operated by Indiana University, but open to all guests regardless of alma mater. “It’s a neat thing to see this beautiful place inspire people and to watch them have such an enjoyable time with family members, both those with whom they live and others who live far away,” says Camp Director Wiley Craft. “It’s a great place for a family reunion.” There are often families with four generations visiting together, from infants to octogenarians. “Camp is a place where we give our children more freedom than we would on a different vacation. We trust everyone there and the environment, so we allow them to go with their friends and do activities without the same level of worry we would have in our day to day life,” says Skirvin, who worked at Camp Brosius while in college, as did her husband. They now attend with their children, ages 16 and 12. “As parents, we are more relaxed when we are there, and in turn, my kids are very relaxed and have so much fun.” At Camp Nawakwa (ymcachicago.org/nawakwa) in Lac du Flambeau, Wisc., family camp activities range from ice
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP BROSIUS
With warm summer days spent boating on a lake and hiking through the woods, and nights spent around the campfire and gazing at the stars, who wouldn’t want to go to summer camp? Now adults want to get in on the experience. Family camps around the country are making it possible for multiple generations to enjoy the summer camp experience together.
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cream socials to triathlons to the popular boat-in breakfast. Even reluctant campers have been converted into devoted fans after spending some time at Camp Nawakwa. “I am not opposed to nature on principle but I am not what anyone would call an ‘outdoorsman.’ In fact, I fancy myself an ‘indoorsman,’” says Tania Richard, Gaul’s wife. She says that while she was dazed and confused at the archery field at first, her love for Nawakwa grew from watching her children. “I come here for my family. They love it here. That’s why I do it and always will.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEDOMAK FAMILY CAMP
MAINE
Medomak Family Camp in Maine (medomakcamp.com) is the first full-season secular family camp to be accredited by the American Camping Association. It offers traditional camp activities for all ages, and also includes some adult-only options such as cheese-making classes, yoga, massage therapy and visits to the local gin distillery and art gallery. As fun as the adult-only options sound, “Part of the appeal of family camp to a lot of adults is getting to do the activities that the kids do, like archery and arts and crafts. We make them more challenging for adults,” says David Brunner, director of Medomak Family Camp. The day is divided into thirds, with mornings spent with those in the same age groups, afternoons enjoyed as a
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family at the lake and all campers coming together as a community at night for activities like a barn dance, scavenger hunt or sunset canoe cruise. The schedule gives parents a bit of everything. “They don’t want to be away from their kids but appreciate having a little bit of time to themselves, too,” Brunner says.
Medomak Family Camp
He also notes that the family units that attend are not always a traditional nuclear family, with grandparents attending with grandchildren, aunt and uncles often being included and some families bringing friends.
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Cheley Colorado Camps
Jeff Cheley, director of Cheley Colorado Camps, says, “We started it in the late 1980s because parents were saying ‘I want to go to camp!’ It’s a great vacation for families because you’re not worried about where you’re going to dinner or wondering if you have tickets for tomorrow. Every night, you just sign up for activities for the next day.”
MICHIGAN
McGaw YMCA Camp Echo (mcgawymca.org/campecho), located in Fremont, Mich., hosts family camp weekends over Memorial Day and Labor Day, in addition to family camp sessions in August.
COLORADO
All camp directors recommended registering as soon as possible because camps do fill up quickly.
PHOTO <CREDIT>
Cheley Colorado Camps (cheley.com/specialtycamps) offer a popular August family camp in picturesque Estes Park, Colo., for families with children age 6 and older. Hiking, horseback riding, technical climbing and target sports are a few of the activities offered.
Many children begin their Camp Echo experience as toddlers during Family Camp along with their parents and grandparents, and then return in later years as summer campers enrolled in camp just for kids.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHELEY COLORADO CAMPS
He adds, “It’s a different experience. There isn’t happy hour in the evening, it’s sitting around the campfire at night or playing games or listening to the guitar. Families keep returning and get to know other families that are coming and there’s camaraderie there as well.”
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Space Camp Apollo
FUN AND LEARNING FROM MINECRAFT TO MARS:
TECH CAMPS BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
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Whether you have a child who is obsessed with Minecraft or who wants to travel to Mars (or both!), there are offerings available across the country. Camps range from half-day sessions to overnight camps that last a week or two, so there are options that fit what your camper can handle.
For many parents, the first tech summer camp they ever heard of was Space Camp (spacecamp.com), perhaps as a result of the 1986 movie set there. Lea Thompson and Kelly Preston may not be campers any longer, but Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, is still going strong. It has attracted more than 600,000 trainees since it started in 1982. Now, in addition to three different levels of Space Camp, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers Aviation Challenge Camp and Robotics Camp. All three are weeklong experiences and offer different levels suited to kids ranging in age from nine to 18.
“Look at a wide array of programs, and find one that your child loves to do. Follow your child’s lead,” says Dee Guiney, founder of GreenApple Camps. There are as many tech camps as there are interests, including those that incorporate sports, drawing, music, math, and—of course—science. Here are a few fun options to consider.
While most people think of Space Camp as a training ground for future astronauts, “they do a really good job of focusing on jobs other than just the astronauts, so it was probably the first time that being in Mission Control crossed my mind,” says Morgan Van Arsdall of Annapolis, Maryland, who attended Space Academy I. She
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SPACE CAMP IS OUT OF THIS WORLD
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPACE CAMP
Kids want a summer full of fun and excitement, while parents hope their children will expand their horizons and keep learning even if they aren’t in the classroom. There are numerous summer camp options focused on technology that ensure kids have a fun, exciting and educational experience.
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is now an Aerospace Engineer for Lockheed Martin who works on the Hubble Space Telescope. “It really helped cement my interest in the space program, but it was more fun than anything else.” If traveling to Huntsville isn’t feasible for you and your future scientist, check out a planetarium or science museum near you for summer camp offerings. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (cmnh.org) offers Astronomy and Cosmology day camp to students entering high school that includes a focus on data collection and analysis as well as a visit to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center at the Great Lakes Science Center. In Chicago, the Adler Planetarium (adlerplanetarium.org) offers summer day camps for explorers in preschool through 10th grade. “Mission: Near Space” pairs campers with Adler astronomers to prepare experiments to fly on a high-altitude balloon mission.
STEM CAMPS
iD Tech Camps (idtech.com/teens) offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) camps for kids ages 6 through 18 at 100 campus locations in 29 states and Washington, D.C. Programs are held on campuses including Stanford, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, MIT, UCLA, Northwestern, Vassar, Columbia and Emory. Options range from half-day day camps to
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overnight camps lasting up to two weeks, and topics include programming in Java™ or C++, apps, game design, website design and robotics. Former campers now work for tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Apple and Zynga (the company behind Words with Friends). Now in its 13th year of programming, GreenApple Camps (greenapplecamps.com) is a nonprofit organization that founder Dee Guiney launched after a search for summer tech opportunities for her daughters. “I realized that tech camp was something that all kids can enjoy,” she says. GreenApple offers camps at locations in the Chicago and Boston areas. Programs range from RoboSports and Battle Bots to 3D Animation. Since its inception, GreenApple programming has evolved with the company “following the lead of what kids like and what parents like,” with coding now the most popular offering. “Last year, I could not get over the fact that every single coding program at every single location was full. That would never have happened 10 years ago,” Guiney says. The camps focused on Minecraft are especially popular. What children learn about coding in summer camp teaches them valuable lessons. “Campers learn to ask
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Space Camp Apollo
Learn musical theater in non-threatening nurturing atmosphere Kids 8 to 13 learn acting, dancing and singing in sessions based on popular musicals. Classes begin on Monday; on Saturday the kids put on a mini-musical. No experience needed. Every child gets a part. Also, “South Pacific” for teens (audition required) ages 13 to 18. Light Opera Works 516 4th St., Wilmette 847-920-5360 LightOperaWorks.com/summer.html
“Coding is a system-design way of thinking with a project mentality that will serve anyone for the rest of their life,” Guiney says. Other possibilities can be found at museums across the country. In Washington, D.C. , the Smithsonian Summer Camp (smithsonianassociates.org) includes week-long day camps focusing on Video Game Design, Anime, and Digital Arts Mashup. All camps have a camper-to-instructor ratio of 4:1. In San Jose, Calif., it’s no surprise that the Tech Museum of Innovation (thetech.org) offers exciting summer camps for kids entering grades four through eight, like DIY Virtual Reality and Mobile App Creation.
GIRLS-ONLY TECH CAMPS
Microsoft DigiGirlz High Tech Camp (microsoft.com) for high school girls aims to dispel stereotypes as well as give girls hands-on experience developing cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2000, the camp takes place in 10 locations in the United States in addition to four international locations. There is no charge for this two-to-three day camp. (Duration varies by location.) Local offerings often include girl-only options. The Adler Planetarium’s Girls-Only Tech Camps are open to girls entering fourth through seventh grades. Girls use Lego Robotics as well as Sketch-Up 3D Modeling and video recording and editing. A co-ed version of the camp is also offered. Tech camp can be a great way to expand your children’s horizons and give them a summer experience that is out of this world—literally and figuratively.
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Jewish Council for Youth Services Highland Park 847.433.6001, ext. 101 jcys.org/NSDC
CampCare: Grief Support Summer Programs Children and teens often benefit from sharing the challenges of grief with peers. CampCare helps campers cope with the loss of a loved one while enjoying art, theatre, music and sports activities and fun with friends. Grades 4-12. Overnight and adventure camps. No cost. Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter CampCare ~ Grief Support Programs No cost to attend. 847-556-1999 www.carecenter.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPACE CAMP APOLLO
themselves questions like, ‘What’s the objective? How do I get there? How do I collaborate?’” says Guiney. “We try to emphasize critical thinking, seeing the big picture and how to attain that goal.”
JCYS North Shore Day Camp & NSDC Sports Energetic counselors lead first- to sixth-grade campers in Camper’s Choice theme days, sports and games, arts and crafts, dance and drama, field trips and daily swim lessons, and over- and undernighters. Summers are never dull at JCYS North Shore Day Camp & NSDC Sports!
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2015 CAMP DIRECTORY Actors Training Center at Wilmette Theatre Wilmette 847-251-8710 actorstrainingcenter.com
Jewish Council for Youth Services Summer Camps Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park and Ingleside jcys.org/camp
Alliance Rowing Club of Illinois Wilmette 847-347-3278 allrow.org
Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls Greenwoods Camp for Boys Decatur, Mich. 847-242-0009 lwcgwc.com
Broadway Break Thru Winnetka 917-686-6367 broadwaybreakthru.com Camp Anokijig Plymouth, Wisc. 920-893-0782 anokijig.com Camp CBG at the Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe 847-835-5440 chicagobotanic.org/camp/summercamp
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Light Opera Works Wilmette 847-920-5360 lightoperaworks.org/summer.html Lookingglass Camps Chicago 773-477-9257 x193 lookingglasstheatre.org Northwestern Girls Basketball Camps Evanston 847-491-5709 northwesterncatscamps.com
Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert Lake Hubert, Minn. 800-242-1909 lincoln-lakehubert.com
Northwestern Volleyball Camps Evanston 847-467-2134 northwesternvolleyballcamps.com
Camp Woodland for Girls Eagle River, Wisc. 847-446-7311 campwoodland.com
NU Boys Soccer Evanston 847-467-1312 nusoccercamps.com
Cedar Lodge Lawrence, Mich. 269-674-8071 cedarlodge.com
NU Girls Soccer Evanston 847-467-5297 northwesterngirlssocceracademy.com
Chris Collins Boys Basketball Camp Evanston 847-491-7906 chriscollinsbasketballcamp.com
Piven Theater Workshop Evanston 847-866-6597 piventheater.org
Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts Kenosha, Wisc. 847-864-1500 harandcamp.com
Second City Summer Comedy Camp Chicago 312-664-3959 secondcity.com/training
Improv Playhouse Libertyville and Highland Park 847-968-4529 improvplayhouse.com
Tamarak Day Camp Lincolnshire 847-634-3168 tamarakdaycamp.com
Interlochen Arts Camp Interlochen, Mich. 800-681-5912 interlochen.org
Towering Pines Camp for Boys Eagle River, Wisc. 847-446-7311 toweringpinescamp.com
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FASHION
On Marilyn: Alikreukel earring, $68, Juniper Boutique Dagmar Galiena mountain print dress, $648, Skandal Anne Marie Chagnon resin and pewter ring, $79, Vibrato
B Y E VA N G E L I N E P O L I T I S CONCEPT BY JULIE CHERNOFF AND LESLEY SMITH
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is a time for new beginnings. That can mean starting over from scratch with a new style, replacing some overworn items in your closet, or just incorporating a few new pieces into your wardrobe. From a crisp new pair of jeans to a lightweight cotton dress, emerge from hibernation in style.
PHOTOGR APHED BY J E N N I F E R AV E L LO H A I R B Y J A C K I E T R O M B E T TA OF ANDREAS HOGUE SALON MAKE UP BY REGINA FR ACASSO OF ANDREAS HOGUE SALON M O D E L S : M A R I LY N B A S S A N D AG N E S S ZC Z E PA N I K A S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U T O J AY AND B R ANDY TOTH FOR OPENING THEIR HOME TO US AND TO A . PERRY HOMES FOR BUILDING IT!
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FASHION
On Marilyn: Apryl Sasscer one-of-a-kind stones and sterling silver necklace, $348, Vibrato ottod’Ame printed cotton dress, $210, Vibrato Ron White champagne metallic shimmer suede flat, $295, Tria Boutique On Agnes: ottod’Ame cropped eyelet top, $168, Vibrato ottod’Ame radish-printed cotton skirt, $180, Vibrato Cynthia Desser printed snake magnet bracelet, $178, Vibrato Annie Hammer serpentine and crystal earrings, $124, Vibrato “Draft” nubuck heeled sandal, $129, Naturalizer Retro kitchenware courtesy of ReImagined Vintage, Lake Bluff Coconut cake from Three Tarts Bakery
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FASHION
On Agnes: Navy stud earring, $29, Juniper Boutique Navy and gold statement necklace, $32, Juniper Boutique Sugar Hill spring bloom printed dress, $98, Juniper Boutique Six strand double wrap bracelet, $24, Juniper Boutique Kron by KronKron leather and printed silk pump, $398, Skandal On Marilyn: Charlotte Bonde Beata Amazon rose gold earrings, $270, Skandal Harlyn mustard plaid shift dress, $128, Juniper Boutique Burnish gold stone ring, $24, Juniper Boutique Franco Sarto sandals, $68, Vibrato Ilse Jacobsen lace-up rain boots, $199, Tria Boutique
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FASHION
On Agnes: Filigree silver earrings, $34, Juniper Boutique Odd Molly embroidered blouse, $195, Skandal Anne Marie Chagnon pewter, resin, and gold plated bracelet, $196, Vibrato Odd Molly cropped jeans, $185, Skandal Ilse Jacobsen espadrille, $145, Skandal Enamel link necklaces, $58 each, Juniper Boutique 3-tiered gilded porcelain stand courtesy of ReImagined Vintage, Lake Bluff
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FASHION
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FASHION
On Agnes: Cushion stud earrings, $26, Juniper Boutique Ecru perforated suede jacket with knit back, $264, Vibrato Ecru silk printed sleeveless top, $166, Vibrato Marie-Laure Chamorel woven lariat, $558, Vibrato Ecru cigarette pant, $152, Vibrato Mariana pewter snake print heels, $148, Vibrato
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THE 2014 PHILANTHROPY AWARD WINNERS SITSTAYREAD SOLIDARITY BRIDGE TREES THAT FEED FOUNDATION CRUSHERS CLUB SKIN OF STEEL REFUGEEONE PHALEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY HORIZONS FOR YOUTH LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WINNERS ON PAGE 83
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BET TER YOU | beauty
BY JENNY MUSLIN
The undone messy braid is sexy, easy to replicate, and the hottest hairstyle of the spring. Seen on every recent red carpet and runway, we love this chic Bohemian style. It looks lovely paired with a maxi dress or can look edgy worn with a buttoned-up blazer. Begin by using a curling iron to create loose curls. These don’t have to be perfect as you’ll be incorporating your hair into a braid. Brush out the curls to make hair relaxed. If you don’t have time to curl hair, use a sea-salt texturizing spray like "Sachajuan Ocean Mist ($28, Nordstrom)."
Pull all of your hair to one side (leaving a small front section loose on the opposite side) and secure with an elastic band. Before you begin to braid, tease the hair in the ponytail using a comb to create volume. Now, braid the teased hair into a standard three-section braid (or, alternately, a fishtail braid) and secure with another elastic at the bottom.
Finally, pull the braid apart by really tugging at each braided section, working your way down the braid. Now, go back and cut the elastic that held the top of your ponytail (used in step two). You can use a hairspray to hold the braid. The best part of this look is that it’s supposed to be imperfect, so don’t worry if a few strands come loose.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER AVELLO; HAIR BY JACKIE TROMBETTA, MAKE UP BY REGINA FRACASSO, ANDREAS HOGUE SALON
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BET TER YOU | beauty
7 ADDICTIVE FASHION AND BEAUTY BLOGS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW
BY JENNY MUSLIN
THEGLAMOURAI.COM
Staying on top of fashion and beauty trends is easy when you know exactly where to go for the info you need. That’s why we scoured the web for the best sites that will become your go-to resources this spring. Enjoy and bookmark away! Which brand makes the best eyelash curler? What’s supermodel Amber Valletta’s favorite eye cream? You’ll find tons of beauty questions answered here. This website is truly a wealth of beauty knowledge! What started as a beauty blog by former Vogue assistant Emily Weiss now includes a full editorial team and contributors from all over the globe. intothegloss.com
2 POSSESSIONISTA If you’ve ever tuned in to your favorite TV show and wondered who designed the blouse that your favorite character was wearing, then this website will become your go-to. North Shore gal Dana Weiss tracks down the fashions you see on the most popular TV shows, movies and celebrities, and tells you where you can find them for yourself. possessionista.com 3 PRETTYQUICK
PrettyQuick is the future of booking beauty appointments. Access the easy-to-use site free from your mobile
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device. Just enter your location and the beauty service you’re interested in, and a list of recommended options in your preferred zip code will come up. Then, book your appointment with one click. Check out beauty editors’ reviews of each salon and spa and best of all, sync your credit card with the app so you don’t have to stick around after your appointment to pay. prettyquick.com
4 SHE’S IN THE GLOW Editors try the newest beauty products and then report back on whether or not they’re worth purchasing. You’ll love reading about “The Glow Girl,” where a different woman is featured every week to discuss her beauty routine, favorite products and ways she changes up her look. You’re bound to learn about a fantastic cult product or beauty tip after a visit to this addicting site. shesintheglow.com 5 THE BEAUTY DEPARTMENT This site, run by celebrity hair stylist Kristin Ess and makeup artist and beauty guru Amy Nadine, teaches you all of the how-tos of beauty,
such as “how to use an eye-shadow stick to create a dramatic eye” or “how to let your naturally curly hair air-dry the right way.” Each tutorial includes pictures and details so you can easily replicate the looks you love. thebeautydepartment.com
6 THE COVETEUR Ever wish you could peruse your favorite designer’s, celebrity’s or stylist’s closet? Delve inside the closets of the famous and fashionable and you may find yourself spending an hour reading about the fantastic stories behind the items pictured. Plus, the “shop the look” option allows you to purchase items that catch your eye. thecoveteur.com 7 THE GLAMOURAI New York stylist Kelly Framel created this jam-packed “webzine” to discuss all things fashion, living and travel. Topics include “where to shop in London” or “how to host your own movie night.” The “outfit inspiration” and “shopping guides” tabs will come in handy when you want to freshen up your look. theglamourai.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GLAMOURAI
1 INTO THE GLOSS
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BET TER YOU | sex & the suburbs
7 THINGS WOMEN SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT DIVORCE BEFORE GETTING ONE BY MAR JIE KILLEEN
This column often focuses on how to keep marriage hot, but the truth is not all women are in relationships that will last. This time of year—January through March—is known as “divorce season” because it’s when most couples file for dissolution of marriage in court. For women considering divorce, here are seven things to know about the process that most women don’t. It’s not a cheerful list, but knowing what to expect and taking control of what you can are keys to navigating through a difficult experience to happier times ahead. 1. There are different ways to divorce. Getting a divorce doesn’t mean you both have to lawyer up and go at each other in court. Litigation is expensive and combative, but there are alternatives. Northfield attorney and divorce mediator Rachel Moore says, “For most people, the right process is mediation or collaborative [divorce], because it’s cost effective, it’s private, and it’s a system created to reach settlements in a positive way as opposed to just wearing you down. It’s an emotionally healthier process than sitting in a courtroom waiting for a judge who has no idea who you are to make a two-minute decision that’s going to affect the rest of your and your child’s lives.”
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2. Divorce takes longer than you think. Divorce isn’t just about ending a relationship; you have to deal with finances, wills, family, pets, community, home, and work. Every decision has a legal, financial and emotional impact. Says Moore, “I tell clients [that] divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. Even if you have no kids and no property, it still isn’t as fast as you think it’s going to be. Emotionally, it takes longer than people think it will. “ 3. You shouldn’t always put the kids first. Lorraine Murphy, executive director of The Lilac Tree in Evanston (lilactree.org), says, “One of the biggest mistakes women make in divorce is they make a lot of decisions based on their kids as opposed to themselves. This is the moment women really need to put themselves first.” A mother may place a high priority on keeping the family home for the children, but if she can’t afford that big house in the long run, she should let it go. Luckily, the kids will adjust. ”All the studies show if the parents are okay,
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BET TER YOU | finance
especially the mothers, the kids will be fine,” says Murphy. “They’re much more adaptable than we give them credit for.” 4. Get ready to communicate. Ironically, divorce forces couples to communicate. All the little implicit agreements in a marriage—she pays the bills, he takes care of the cars—need to be redefined. Moore says. “Whether [the marriage] was going well or not, you were coexisting. Now you need a new way to coexist. That takes more communication.” “Both people have to do new things that they never did when married,” she continues. “In order to make all the decisions about financial issues and kid issues you have to communicate more. Or you can pay attorneys for three years to send nasty letters to each other. But at some point the attorneys are going to be out of your life and you’re still going to have to co-parent or run in the same circles.” 5. Divorce isn’t fair. When it comes to divorce, nobody wins. “This is not your ‘L.A. Law’ moment where the judge is going to vindicate you. If the man is having an affair, the judge doesn’t care. It’s not relevant in the divorce case,” says Murphy. “At the Lilac Tree we say ‘it takes two to get divorced.’ You both have to be willing to lose something in order to finish the divorce. And the sooner that everyone realizes that, the quicker you’ll get divorced.” 6. Support is essential. Divorce is traumatic on many levels. Many women—whether they initiate the divorce or not—feel a great deal of guilt and shame about ending their marriage. A strong support system is essential. “Divorce still has a stigma; it’s still a bit of a taboo,” says Murphy. “So when a woman goes through a divorce she can become very isolated. Not only is her life changing legally and financially, it is also changing socially.” The Lilac Tree, which offers women one-on-one consultations, group workshops and support groups, is a great place to start. 7. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. A woman going through divorce should remember that it doesn’t last forever, it doesn’t define her as a woman, and things really will get better. Knowing there are brighter days ahead can make a very difficult time a little easier.
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DINING | review
RPM STEAK: Get Your Motors Running
BY JULIE CHERNOFF
The question begs to be asked: Does Chicago need another high-end steakhouse?
RPM Steak 66 W. Kinzie St. Chicago 312-284-4990 rpmsteak.com
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It’s hard to believe that this place was carved out of a parking lot, because it’s so very, very luxe. Not opulent, not over the top, just a feeling of space, with lots of comfortable booth seating around the restaurant, high ceilings and wide-set tables. Adding to the clubby feel are the white-jacketed waiters and impeccable, unobtrusive service.
ADULT BEVERAGE TIME
exploration, you’ll find many non-bank-breaking vineyards (and varietals) off the beaten path that are well worth your time. The wines by the glass range from reasonable-ish to stratospheric (looking at you, Veuve Cliquot at $48).
SEAFOOD STORY
Once you work up an appetite, launch yourself toward the appetizers. Like most steak palaces, they have an obscenely huge seafood platter, but here, you’ll also find Colossal Tiger Prawns ($15 each) the size of a small lobster. Chilled West Coast Oysters ($18), icy cold and oh-so-fresh, are topped with a jalapeño-cucumber mignonette. The Big Eye Tuna Sashimi ($16) manages to avoid cliché with added elements of umami-laden black garlic, wild mushrooms and ponzu sauce.
Start your evening with an excellent cocktail, overseen by Beverage Director Richard Hanauer. My all-time favorite classic, the Corpse Reviver #2 ($14), is making a comeback, and the RPM version is a beaut. Aviation Gin, Cocchi Americano, Cointreau and lemon add up to pure icy deliciousness, especially for this gin drinker. The Bobby Burns ($14), served over one crystal-clear giant ice cube, is smoky and complex, combining Highland Park Scotch, Carpano Antica, Benedictine and Angostura bitters.
In the hot appetizer competition, the smallish portion size of the Coal-Roasted King Crab ($18) was deceiving; given the richness of the dish—the smoky crabmeat combined with the miso-and-lime-butter brulée treatment—the serving was just right. Thick-Cut Bacon ($13) glazed with vanilla bean and bourbon was every bit as unctuous as you might expect.
In the mood for a little vino? Hanauer’s wine list is filled with quirky gems. If you want to spend $1,000 for a bottle of big, steaky cab, you’re in luck…but if you’re open to a little
You might gripe about paying for bread service at a pricey restaurant, but let me tell you something. I would happily have paid $20 for the full pan of hot Parker House Rolls
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BREAD OF THE GODS
PHOTO COURTESY OF LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU
As it pertains to Lettuce Entertain You’s newest restaurant, RPM Steak, an unequivocal answer: you betcha. In this meat-mad town, RPM Steak has quickly made an impression for deliciousness and excellent service, borne out by a recent visit.
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RPM Steak’s Waygu Tomahawk Chop
served with soft Rosemary Nordic Butter (a BARGAIN at $6). These are the rolls you see when you close your eyes at night and dream of a better world. Both the Caesar ($11) and the Bibb and Avocado ($10) salads were overly lemon-forward, but served honorably as a palate cleanser before the protein parade to follow.
RED MEAT AND MORE
If you must, spring for the “I’m the King of the World!” 42-oz. Wagyu Tomahawk Chop ($155). But if wiser minds (and wallets) prevail, you’ll find as much beefy goodness in some of the “lesser” cuts, like the beautiful Prime RPM Cap ($45) or tender Hanger Steak ($29). Melt-in-your-mouth Truffle-Braised Shortribs ($32), served on a bed of celery-root purée, fell apart with the prodding of a fork. And add this Dry-Aged Steakburger ($18), laden with Cheddar cheese and horseradish sauce on an onion roll—ably abetted by a paper cone of skinon fries—to your burger to-do list. If red meat isn’t your gig, opt for the buttery Broiled Black Cod ($36) with miso and toasted sesame seeds, or perhaps the Roasted Ora King Salmon with Tarragon Aioli ($27). And as macaroni and cheeses go, this one’s a keeper: Chef Doug Psaltis combines artisanal pasta with al dente broccoli and chunks of peppered bacon in a happy pool of aged Cheddar sauce ($23).
THE CHOCOLATE IS RISING
If dessert is a possibility, or if you suspect it might be when you’re still feeling feisty early in the meal, order the warm Chocolate Soufflé ($12) topped with a scoop of candy cane ice cream. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, opt for the Baked Alaska ($13), a classic dish seldom found on modern menus. Prepared tableside, a mound of salted caramel and vanilla ice creams is frosted with soft Italian meringue, then set aflame to toast the outside. Warm chocolate sauce is drizzled over, and world peace is seemingly achievable. The RPM team of Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Doug Psaltis and the Melmans (Richard, RJ, Jerrod and Molly) has proved a highly profitable pairing for Lettuce Entertain You. RPM Steak will do nothing to slow that trajectory; River North is their oyster. Check out more reviews and recipes online. MAKEITBETTER.NET/DINING
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DINING
Taco Joint
TACO TOWN BY JULIE CHERNOFF
Listen, I’m not asking for much: A homemade, soft corn tortilla; a piece of grilled or battered fish; some cabbage slaw and chipotle mayo…a few simple ingredients, but when done right, the stars align and what happens in your mouth is taco alchemy.
River Valley Market Mushroom Taco (two to an order, $7), topped with vinegary escabeche and cilantro cream on a house-made tortilla. Distinctive and delicious. 1360 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-687-8697, antiquetaco.com
It used to be that you had to go to Pilsen or Humboldt Park (or, of course, Frontera Grill) for a true Mexican-style taco, but in the past few years, Chicago has seen a taco explosion. You’ll find them everywhere on menus from Lincoln Park to Rogers Park, from Evanston to Lake Forest. And not just at dedicated taco establishments—of which there are many—or Mexican restaurants. Tacos have hit mainstream menus (Hola, Chipotle! Hey there, California Pizza Kitchen!) and show no sign of stopping.
Authentaco I’m a sucker for chorizo (spicy pork sausage), so I opt for the Chorizo with Sweet Potato Pastor and Crema Taco ($3)—so many textures!—but the Alambre Taco (carne asada with bacon, onion, rajas and cheese) is another solid choice. And those tortillas! Dios mio. 1141 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, 773-360-7345, authentaco.com
Why all the fuss? Well, because deliciousness. And texture contrast. And flavor. And portability. Each ingredient has the opportunity to shine; you can eat a few at a sitting and the price is right. It’s the perfect dish in our small-plate world. So, let’s talk taco. Here are some (but emphatically not all!) of the Chicago-area restaurants currently producing a righteous taco. Antique Taco Don’t be distracted by the Duck Fat Flautas or the Horchata milkshake at this Wicker Park hipster hangout. Eyes on the prize: the
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Bar Takito So many good things to eat here…including (but not limited to) the Coffee-Braised Beef Tacos (four per order, $16), served on a “beer tortilla” and topped with cherry tomatoes, Oaxacan queso, jalapeños, cilantro and peanuts. Not a meat lover? Opt for the Brunkow Cheese Tacos with pickled jicama, avocado and aji peanut sauce. 201 N. Morgan St., Chicago, 312-888-9485, bartakito.com Big Star I’m torn here, because they are all SO FRICKING DELICIOUS. But the Taco al Pastor ($3) is truly a thing of beauty, sporting marinated and spit-roasted pork shoulder, caramelized grilled pineapple, sweet grilled onion and fresh cilantro. They’ll even take the show on the
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TACO JOINT, TALLBOY AND BIG STAR
If you think a taco consists of a crispy taco shell with some sautéed chopped meat, shredded cheese and iceberg lettuce, this is not your article. Move along. I’m talking about the real thing, not some Tex-Mex travesty.
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DINING
TallBoy Taco
road for parties of 10 or more (Big Star Taco Bar)! 1531 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, 773-235-4039, bigstarchicago.com Carnitas Uruapan I came down here 20 years ago for the first time, but they’ve been open since ’75, serving up tacos filled with crispy chunks of Pork Carnitas, along with classic Michoacan side dishes like chicharrones (crispy pork cracklings), home-style refried beans and cactus salad. Incredibly tasty and authentic, but be forewarned: they are cash only, and closed on Thursdays (random, I know, but you don’t mess with genius). 1725 W. 18th St., Chicago, 312-226-2654, carnitasuruapanchi.com Cookies & Carnitas While they don’t make their own tortillas (they use El Milagro), they do have incredible Braised Goat tacos served with smoky beans, Chihuahua and Cotija cheese, cream and house salsa. And did I mention the Beef Brisket tacos? We forgive them. 5757 & 5759 N. Broadway St., Chicago, 773-769-2900, cookiesandcarnitas.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TACO JOINT, TALLBOY AND BIG STAR
DeCero If you’re looking for great tacos on restaurant row, look no further. I’m partial to the Battered Shrimp Taco ($3.75 or three for $10.25) with avocado crema, red onion, avocado and cilantro, or the crazygood Duck Confit Taco with spicy corn salsa, queso fresco and cilantro. Bonus points: fresh-muddled Coconut Mojitos. 816 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-455-8114, hellotacos.com Frontera Fresco The tortillas here, like at the Mother Ship, Frontera Grill, are made by hand. The Chipotle Chicken Tacos ($3.95 each/two for $7.25) are juicy, smoky and a little bit spicy, topped with roasted onion, Jack cheese, avocado and cilantro. The Short Rib Tacos ($4.50 each/two for $8.75) are sinfully rich. Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie, 847-329-2638, fronterafresco.com G.T. Fish & Oyster Listen, I realize that this isn’t a taco place. But they do seafood here, including some of the best Fish Tacos ($13 for three) I’ve ever had. Garlic-marinated and tempura-fried mahi mahi shares the love with chipotle aioli, frisée lettuce and a sprinkle of crushed chicharron for added salty crunch. Wow. 531 N. Wells St., Chicago, 312-929-3501, gtoyster.com La Casa de Isaac & Moishe The Taco Plate ($6.95 for two) comes with your choice of two meats, among them lengua (beef tongue) and tinga (shredded chicken and onions simmered in chipotle sauce), and topped with
Big Star
shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, onion and cilantro. Rice and beans included, and for that I am eternally grateful. 2014 First St., Highland Park, 847-433-7400, lacasadeisaac.com Summerhouse Santa Monica Don’t get confused. You’ll just feel like you’re in California when you sit beneath their glass roof eating the Surfer-Style Fish Tacos ($23.95 for four build-your-own tacos), blackened and wood-grilled mahi mahi to be piled high in warm corn tortillas with guacamole, cabbage slaw and salsa verde. Dude, they are RAD. 1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-634-4100, summerhousesm.com Taco Nano! This is our office treat when we have been very, very good. The Vegetariano Taco ($2.50 each) feels substantial, with crispy potatoes, poblano rajas, mushrooms, Cotija cheese and cilantro sharing space in the warm tortilla; or try the Pato en Mole Negro ($4 each), duck confit in mole with pickled red onion, queso fresco and sesame seeds. All that, plus fried plantains! 1743 Orchard Lane, Northfield, 847-386-7159, taconano.com Tall Boy Taco Tucked inside Nacional 27, this newcomer is making a strong showing. They get the brisket for their Cowboy 12-Hr. Smoked Brisket Taco ($4) from fellow Lettuce Entertain You property Bub City, then goose the flavor with salsa de arbol and cilantro. Predictably, I loved the Chorizo con Rajas Taco ($3.50), with lots of caramelized onions and a sprinkling of queso. Good news: the full Nacional 27 drink menu is available. 325 W. Huron St., Chicago, 312-488-4917, tallboytaco.com Taco Joint Hand-pressed tortillas here have a nice heft to them, especially when paired with the braised beef Barbacoa Taco ($3) with roasted red jalapeño salsa or the spicy Yucatan-style Cochinita Taco ($3), pulled pork with pickled red onions and habanero salsa. 1969 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-951-2457; 158 W. Ontario St., Chicago, 312337-8226, tacojoint.com Tacos El Norte Possibly the most extensive taco offerings ($2-$3 each) around, including carnitas, barbacoa, tongue, eggs & chorizo, al pastor, shrimp, chile relleno and ground beef picadillo, all served in classic style in doubled soft corn tortillas with chopped onions and cilantro. Back to basics here; sour cream, avocado and cheese are extra. No frills but super tasty. For the curious, soft flour or hard-shell tacos are available upon request, but HAVE I TAUGHT YOU NOTHING? multiple locations including Libertyville and Waukegan, tacoselnorte.org
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ENTERTAINMENT | books
BOOKS TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT B Y K E L LY K O N R A D
‘Tis the season of the clean—that irrepressible urge to throw out, organize and get your act together. Here are eight great suggestions that’ll inspire and inform—just remember to pass them on so they’re not cluttering a shelf!
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Coming Clean: A Memoir Kimberly Rae Miller Kick your spring cleaning season off with this memoir—the story of a woman and how she came to grips with her father’s hoarding. If reading about homes filled to the brim with useless things doesn’t inspire you to start throwing stuff out, I don’t know what will.
Life Hacks: Helpful Hints to Make Life Easier Dan Marshall Are you a fan of Life Hacks? Coming this spring, you can stop trying to remember whose Facebook page you saw that great tip on and just grab the book.
Design Mom: How to Live with Kids: A Room-by-Room Guide Gabrielle Stanley Blair Parents have an entirely different level of clutter to deal with—on top of stickier fingerprints, muddier shoeprints and just-whatwas-that-stain-on-the-couch? Blair offers useful advice to clutter- and kid-proof your home while maintaining its style and vibe.
Rightsize . . . Right Now!: The 8-Week Plan to Organize, Declutter, and Make Any Move Stress-Free Regina Leeds Spring is high season for moving—and whether it be an upsize or downsize, it can always be a right size. Here are great tips for your next move to make the new space home in a jiffy.
31 Days to a Clutter Free Life: One Month to Clear Your Home, Mind & Schedule Ruth Soukup Forget that Facebook ab challenge—here is a month-long project that makes life better for everyone in your family. Soukup offers readers 31 simple challenges that result in a cleaner home, organized kitchen and a manageable schedule.
Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul Bill Hybels Hybels is a familiar name on the North Shore, serving as the founding pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. Due out later this summer, Hybels tackles the concepts of feeling over-everything—stressed, whelmed and scheduled, with realistic tips that’ll declutter the spirit.
How to Declutter Your Home and Simplify Your Life: Tips and Techniques for a Clutter-Free Home [NOOK Book] Kelly Hudson Because tips beget more tips, here is another great option in a Nook-book format that offers advice on how to tackle clutter by figuring out where first to start—often the biggest roadblock to achieving a simpler life.
Living the Good Long Life: A Practical Guide to Caring for Yourself and Others Martha Stewart No self-respecting book list about getting organized would omit a Martha Stewart tome. This particular volume is dedicated to anyone over 40, with tips and advice (Martha never tricks) for eating, exercising, wellness and organizing.
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SPONSORED CONTENT
NO… NOT AGAIN! B Y VA L H A L L E R O F VA L S L I S T
OUT OF ALL THE SEASONS, the one that always comes way too soon is... Bathing Suit Season. It’s early February as I write this, where I’m safely hidden under sweat pants and turtlenecks, tall boots and long sleeves, snowed in and cozy. I must admit I’m feeling a lot lazier than the West Coast girls and southern belles whose warmer weather allows for less clothing at this time of year. To make it worse, morning TV is modeling “best” bathing suit styles, forcing me to look at those who have stayed taut and lean through the winter months, shaming me into another donut bite of comfort food. I know the drill; I can run but I can’t hide. I’m onto the retailers’ midwinter consumer conspiracy where they rid the racks of anything long and layered, replacing them with shelves of short and sheer. Ready or not, here it comes: Spring. Cruise-wear. Skin. And there you go, a winter escape to Palm Springs, an unexpected thaw, an evening out in a little black dress. Take off the layers and turn up the heat. Here are a few new albums to help with the thaw: JD McPherson’s “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Fifty Shades of Grey” (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) and Father John Misty’s “I Love You, Honeybear.”
CHICAGO SHOWS NOT TO MISS: MARCH 7
MARCH 13
APRIL 10
BOB SCHNEIDER at SPACE Evanston (fun night out)
GAELIC STORM at House of Blues (St. Patrick’s Day)
MARCH 8/9
MARCH 14
BENJAMIN BOOKER at Metro (heavy rock —guys)
PENTATONIX at Chicago Theatre (a cappella—hot band)
ALABAMA SHAKES at Chicago Theatre (classic rock)
APRIL 10
MARCH 12
MARCH 27
APRIL 30
ECHOSMITH at Metro (take your teen)
ARI HEST at SPACE Evanston (girlfriends, date night)
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE at Chicago Theatre (indie rock)
GUSTER / KISH BASHI at Riviera (alternative)
B Y T O N Y A B R U S C AT O , D I R E C T O R O F T H E CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW is getting seri-
ous about going green. Last issue, we shared some advice on how to be more eco-friendly in the garden, including harvesting rainwater, avoiding harmful pesticides and repurposing planters. Here are three more tips to be a greener gardener! 1. RECYCLE YOUR WASTE. After a day in the garden,
what do you do with waste like plastic, pots and paper sacks? Next time pay attention to what can and can’t be recycled or reused. Also, don’t just toss away your compost and tree clippings. Reuse them for mulch to save on resources and costs. 2. MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE. Make the most of your
green space by learning about companion planting. Keep in mind that some crops benefit from growing near certain other plants, which can mean anything from improving growth to enhancing flavor to helping repel pests. 3. MOW LESS. It’s OK to let your grass grow out a bit
during the summer months. Mowing less is not only better for the environment; it also helps keep weed growth down and increases drought resistance. Don’t forget to reuse the grass clippings as a natural mulch and fertilizer layer when you’re done!
Buy tickets online before March 14 and save $4 off box office pricing with code “MIB15” Do Green. Do Good. at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show presented by Mariano’s. Be inspired by all kinds of eco-friendly gardens, recipes and workshops at the 2015 Chicago Flower & Garden Show! Join us March 14-22 at Navy Pier. Buy tickets and learn more at chicagoflower.com.
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PHOTOS BY JENNY ANDERSON
ENTERTAINMENT | theater
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ENTERTAINMENT | theater
HITS THE SECOND CITY BY JULIE CHERNOFF
Christine Sherrill is no stranger to the Chicago stage. This Jeff Award-winning actress has worked in some of our best theatres, including the Goodman, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, and Northlight Theatre. But when she faces the audience on the opening night of “First Wives Club” at the Oriental Theater, it will be in her first leading role in a Broadway-bound musical.
Christine Sherrill
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ENTERTAINMENT | theater
She was starring in the touring company of “Mamma Mia!” in Las Vegas when she was called in to an L.A.-based audition for “First Wives Club,” which she and her agent figured was a long shot. Happily, it wasn’t.
creators of the show. Director Simon Phillips, the New Zealand native who brought “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” to Broadway, gets high praise from both Sherrill and Bloodworth-Thomason.
According to Linda Bloodworth-Thomason (of “Designing Women” and Clinton best-friend fame), who wrote the book for the new musical, Sherrill “came in for her audition and she came in like a wrecking ball, as Miley [Cyrus] would say. She did one of the most powerful scenes in the show…and to say she nailed it doesn’t cover it. It was one of the best auditions I’ve seen for anything.” BloodworthThomason continues, “She’s got a lot of that ‘Goldie [Hawn] dust’—a little quirky, and she’s hilarious, and like Goldie, you just root for her.”
“I consider myself pretty spoiled coming from Chicago,” says Sherrill. “It’s a very kind and supportive theatre community. So I prepared myself for the worst, but it’s been a great experience for me. He’s definitely not the stereotypical New York director; he’s lovely, and so dedicated. I think he averages three hours of sleep a night.”
Sherrill takes the part of Elise, played by Goldie Hawn on screen; Broadway legend and Tony Award-winner Faith Prince plays Brenda (the Bette Midler role); and Carmen Cusack, who you might have seen as Elphaba in “Wicked,” is Annie (Diane Keaton in the film). “You can see a little bit of Linda Bloodworth in every one of these characters,” says Sherrill. “They still love men, and they love being alive, and they leave hopeful that they can find love again. I think Linda brings all of that…she brings the heart, and the feminism and the warmth.” That warmth extends to the cast. No cattiness here; it’s a veritable love fest between the cast members and the
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Surprisingly, Bloodworth-Thomason says she hasn’t read Goldsmith’s book, and only saw the movie once, although she has based her story on the movie’s strong characters. Her inspiration came from countless readings of the screenplay. She did keep some of the great lines from the movie, but 90 to 95 percent of the musical’s book is new. “It’s kind of a reincarnation of ‘Designing Women’ meets the ‘First Wives Club,’” she says. The rehearsal process for “First Wives Club” included a two-week lab for producers and Broadway houses in September 2014, followed by a five-week New York rehearsal in January and early February, and then tech in Chicago at the Oriental Theatre. It was a fascinating first few weeks in New York for Sherrill, who got to see firsthand how a new show is built. “It was about taking Linda’s book and getting the orchestrations in, having the Holland Brothers there, piecing it together. [It was] such a reward to put the whole first act together,” she says. A new anthem, “Shoulder to Shoulder,” closes the first act. “The three women decide that they’re not going to wallow anymore; they’re going to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and keep living.” About that music: the score is by the legendary Motown team, Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland). And while “You Don’t Own Me,” the triumphant song from the film sung by Hawn, Keaton and Midler, isn’t in this production (it’s not a HollandDozier-Holland song), you can rest easy that the score is chock-a-block with Motown favorites like, “My World is Empty Without You,” “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch,” “Reach Out (I’ll Be There),” “Stop in the Name of Love” and more, along with some new original music that HDH wrote specifically for “First Wives Club.” “The music is very emotional,” says Bloodworth-Thomason. Working with five-time Emmy Award-winner BloodworthThomason has been a dream for Sherrill. “Linda is an incredible writer. As an actor, it’s hard to learn this book, because it’s not your typical musical theatre language,” says Sherrill. “But here’s the thing: when we put it on its feet, the book is SO
PHOTO BY JOHN REILLY PHOTOGRAPHY
A reworking of the 1996 hit movie based on the 1992 best-selling book by author Olivia Goldsmith, “The First Wives Club” tells the story of four best friends from an East Coast college, starting with the suicide of one, despondent that her ex-husband has married his much younger mistress. And then there were three, all members of the “First Wives Club,” dumped by their hubbies for newer models.
Bloodworth-Thomason also raves about Prince (“a different part for her… she’s astonishing and commanding”) and Cusack (“she’s got that vulnerable Diane Keaton thing in spades, and she’s achingly funny”). “We really couldn’t have a better cast, and that’s the truth,” says Thomason. “If I didn’t love them, I’d say something nice, but not to this extent!”
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BET TER YOU | finance
good. It’s so rewarding; so fluid, so natural. I would dare to say that the book is perfect.” At its core, this show is about female friendship. It’s important for BloodworthThomason that the characters be strong and relatable. That’s the reputation she built with “Designing Women”— a brilliant writer who could seamlessly intertwine comedy and pathos while creating a community of women of which you wished you were a part. “The story could easily be about three bitter women who hate men,” says Sherrill. “But who wants to see that? It turns from taking revenge on our exes to making something positive from this. [My character] goes through her trials and emerges a better person…this is still a story about love.” Bloodworth-Thomason feels the same, and she wants to send a message to all women currently feeling marginalized. “There are so many young women out there who have been diminished by the culture, under-read and under-fed…I believe that most clearthinking women don’t want to be defined that way, and don’t want their daughters going down that path. Women are so much more than that!” “First Wives Club” is a celebration of strength and resiliency in the face of misfortune; it’s humor and love and survival. And if it can match even half of the energy and talent of Sherrill and Thomason, it will be a big hit. “FIRST WIVES CLUB” (presented by Broadway in Chicago) will run Feb. 17 to March 29 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-977-1700, broadwayinchicago. com/show/first-wives-club On Christine, previous page: Brunello Cucinelli silk charmeuse tank, cotton-crochet zip cardigan and silk chiffon maxi skirt; Frances Heffernan, Winnetka 18K Rose Gold and White Gold Sapphire Slice and Diamond Bracelet, $12,000; 18K White and Rose Gold Sapphire Slice Earrings, $2,500; 18K Rose Gold, Opal, Quartz, and Diamond Ring, $6,000; Pamela Froman-designed 18K Rose and Yellow Gold, Zircon and Diamond Pendant, $9,000 All jewelry courtesy of Cy Fredrics Jewelers, Glenview, cyfredrics.com Photo by John Reilly Photography
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FINANCE
Teens working as summer camp counselors at Hi-Five Sports Camp
WHY YOUR TEEN NEEDS
A SUMMER JOB BY MEGHAN STREIT
If you can easily afford to give your kids discretionary spending money, you may not be inclined to encourage them to get a job after school or during summer breaks. But, even if money isn’t an issue, you could be doing your kids a disservice by not requiring them to work. “Working during the summer or after school is highly beneficial because it gives teenagers and college students a taste of what the real world is like,” Junior Achievement’s (juniorachievement.org) Stephanie Bell says. “The financial consideration may play a role for some families, but not for all.”
cash over to teens, the kids don’t learn that money has limits and can end up in debt as adults, Cruze says. She advises parents to help working teens set goals about how they want to spend money from part-time jobs—including having some fun with it.
Bell says part-time jobs prepare youngsters to enter the professional workforce later in life. She says waiting tables or working as a day camp counselor can provide valuable experience in managing conflict in work environments, following through on commitments, being punctual and developing a work ethic—all skills that will help kids succeed in post-college careers.
“Teach them about the ‘why’ behind working and let them be intentional with the money they earn,” Cruze says.
Many teens have rigorous academic and extracurricular schedules, and the pressure to get into top universities can be stressful. But, Bell says high-achieving kids can still get some work experience by taking on periodic babysitting jobs or mowing neighbors’ lawns. Those types of jobs offer greater flexibility, and so may be more feasible for busy teens. Rachel Cruze, co-author of “Smart Money Smart Kids” (smartmoneysmartkids.com), says working during high school and college also helps kids develop money management habits they’ll need as adults. When parents hand 82
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Kim Costa is a job-search coach for SnagAJob.com, a job board for hourly positions. She says that although the job market has been difficult in recent years, there are jobs to be had for ambitious teens, particularly in the retail, restaurant and hospitality sectors. In fact, 74 percent of employers were planning to hire summer workers last year, according to a recent SnagAJob.com survey. Costa says teens should start job searching early because employers prefer to fill positions before summer is in full swing. To increase their chances of landing jobs, young workers need to have flexible schedules because most part-time gigs require evening and weekend shifts, Costa says. Finally, teens should create a resume before applying for jobs. Costa says a first resume can be short and simple, and teens without previous jobs can highlight volunteer experience and academic achievements.
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PHILANTRHOPY AWARD WINNERS
B Y A N N A C A R L S O N , J U L I E C H E R N O F F, M I N D Y FA U N T L E R O Y, M A U R A F L A H E R T Y, S U S A N B . N OY E S A N D M E G H A N S T R E I T
e founded Make It Better to connect and help our audience amplify their philanthropic efforts. We found this leads to more connections and ideas, a heightened feeling of community, more money raised by good people, and better business for everyone. It’s a virtuous circle. To amplify this feeling of good will, we established our annual Philanthropy Awards. An impressive group of judges—thoughtful, strategic philanthropists all— choose winners from applications submitted online. Traditionally, winners are notified on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day (this past year, it fell on a Saturday, so
we opted for Nov. 14 instead), with a surprise visit to each nonprofit. Their prizes include videos and articles that bring to life their missions and demonstrate that donated dollars are well spent. Our sincerest congratulations to the inspirational and innovative winners, and to the dedicated employees and volunteers who keep these nonprofits going strong. Stay tuned for a “Save the Date” for our gala 2014 Philanthropy Awards celebration to be held in April. To see the winning videos and more in-depth information on each organization, as well as a video of our Philanthropy Awards delivery, please visit makeitbetter.net/philanthropyawards.
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PHILANTRHOPY AWARD WINNERS
SITSTAYREAD LOCAL EDUCATION
MISSION: SitStayRead seeks to promote the love of learning and improve literacy proficiency for at-risk children in first through fourth grades. They address reading fluency in a fun way by incorporating reading assistance dogs into the program. EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: Their innovative approach to reading fluency has shown remarkable results. Classrooms enhanced by SitStayRead’s volunteers—canine as well as human—have shown significant improvement on assessment tests. According to SSR’s 2014 Annual Report, children in the program are making 47.8 percent greater fluency gains than peers who aren’t participating. Services are provided gratis to public schools and community centers that focus on the needs of low-income Chicago families. The 192 human volunteers are special, too, and served over 2,000 students in 76 classrooms in 2014. New programs for 2015 will address reading comprehension and written expression, and incorporate “our two hallmark traits: dogs and fun!” — Julie Chernoff SPONSORED BY NANCY SEARLE
The Searle Funds focus their efforts on biomedical research, education, community renewal and conservation. Projects funded by the Searle Funds reflect the intent of the donor, John G. Searle and the values of the family. Ms. Searle continues to be committed to improving educational outcomes in Chicago and is currently working to raise an additional $60 million for charter schools.
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SOLIDARITY BRIDGE SOCIAL JUSTICE
MISSION: The mission of Solidarity Bridge is to train and equip the medical communities in Bolivia and Paraguay to empower them to serve the most needy. This is achieved through domestic and international partnerships, metaphorically bridging the distance between North and South America.
OUR ACADEMY OF JUDGES INCLUDES: Make It Better Judges: Mindy Fauntleroy, Maura Flaherty, Susan B. Noyes, Sandy Tsuchida; Former Philanthropy Award Winners: Sherry Arthur, Lydia Home Assoc.; Brian Floriani, Bernie’s Book Bank; Seth Green, Y.O.U. Evanston; Cherie Hrusovsky, GLASA; Dawn Kobel, Girls in the Game; Kim Michelson, Beyond Sports Foundation; Jamie O’Malley, Midwest Care Center; Katie Taylor, Northwestern Settlement; Neli Vazquez-Rowland, A Safe Haven; Seth Weinberger, Innovations for Learning; Civic Leaders: Heather Blackwell, Global Trotters Fund; Matt Doubleday, Wintrust; Liam Krehbiel, A Better Chicago; Sandra Miller, RIC; Michael Rosengarden, Autohaus/Mercedes Benz; Tom Sabatino, Walgreens; Nancy Searle, philanthropist Additional underwriting provided by The Enelow Fund (theenelowfund.org)
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION
EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: Mission teams long ago discovered the connection between poverty and ill health in Bolivia. So Solidarity Bridge, which was formed in 1999, partners not only with hospitals and doctors—many of who give freely and generously of their skills and resources—in South America’s poorest countries, Bolivia and Paraguay, but also with U.S. foundations and corporate partners to help make this good work possible through sponsorships, in-kind donations and monetary contributions. Solidarity Bridge also partners with Doctors Without Borders to combat the transmission of Chagas disease in Bolivia. —Julie Chernoff
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PHILANTRHOPY AWARD WINNERS
TREES THAT FEED FOUNDATION ENVIRONMENT
MISSION: The Trees That Feed Foundation has three goals: to plant trees to feed people in developing countries, create jobs and protect the environment. EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: Their efforts have made a lasting impact on countries around the world. A Jamaican farmer recently called founder Mary McLaughlin to tell her, “You’ve given me trees. These trees are about to bear fruit. And this will change my life.” McLaughlin founded Trees That Feed knowing firsthand the benefits of food-producing trees. Having often eaten breadfruit while growing up in Jamaica, McLaughlin realized that planting more food-producing trees would not only combat the world’s hunger problem but would also help the environment. In five years, Trees That Feed has planted more than 60,000 trees. Currently, the foundation is working on reforestation in Haiti and planting trees at every school in Jamaica, among other projects. — Anna Carlson
CRUSHERS CLUB ATHLETICS
MISSION: To be the strongest alternative to gangs. They arm young people with the support and skills they need to restore their lives and improve their neighborhood. Crushers Club is rooted in four ideals—respect, discipline, ownership, and love—that give members a fighting chance. EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: Sally Hazelwood moved her family to Englewood and asked youth which activity would motivate them to try harder in school and keep them away from gangs. Their answer: boxing. Hazelwood singlehandedly obtained a funding grant, rented 12,000 square feet in a local church, and gained permission from CPS to take students out of school 20 minutes early to join her club, where students learn to box and develop leadership skills. Crushers Club has served over 200 youths and offers academic help and mentorship to find jobs outside of Englewood. Schools report improved academics and attitudes for 90 percent of the Crusher Club participants, and all of the youth report that they feel happier and safer. — Susan B. Noyes
SKIN OF STEEL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION
MOST IMPROVED FUNDRAISING MISSION: To fund the first national, collaborative Melanoma Tissue Bank, which will give researchers across the country access to the fresh-frozen tissues they need to enhance melanoma treatment and eventually find a cure. EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: This innovative team led by melanoma survivor Susan Steel works tirelessly to promote sun safety as well as inspire volunteers to raise funds and awareness for local research and comprehensive treatment of melanoma—specifically raising funds for a Melanoma Tissue Bank to be located in Chicago. Melanoma researchers don’t have the fresh-frozen, primary tissue they need to make the type of significant progress seen in breast and prostate cancer research. Skin of Steel intends to make this happen. Skin of Steel stands out for their ability to raise awareness and fundraise collaboratively within the community. They have truly made a difference by developing and implementing innovative and creative fundraising methods as well as educating school-aged children. — Mindy Fauntleroy
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PHILANTRHOPY AWARD WINNERS
REFUGEEONE HUMANITARIAN
MISSION: RefugeeOne is a resettlement agency that provides assistance to refugees in the Chicago area. Refugees who want to become independent in their new communities can get help learning English, finding employment, obtaining medical care and applying for U.S. citizenship. EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: Over the past 30 years, RefugeeOne has helped tens of thousands of refugees build new lives after fleeing Cambodia, Rwanda and other countries. They also helped displaced families after Hurricane Katrina. Currently, the majority of the people RefugeeOne is helping to settle in the U.S. are Iraqis who helped the U.S. militia operations; persecuted Christian Iraqis; Burmese who have escaped government violence and Bhutanese who have fled ethnic cleansing. In 2013, fundraising proceeds from RefugeeOne’s annual gala increased by 41 percent. The group provided backpacks and school supplies to 200 children, winter coats to more than 600 refugees and helped collect cash and household items for 15 families. — Meghan Streit
PHALEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY NATIONAL EDUCATION
MISSION: To ensure that students master key academic skills and demonstrate strong character exhibited by: honesty, service to others, superior work ethic and a strong vision for their futures. EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: Phalen Leadership Academy (PLA) is a dream come true for parents in underserved urban Indianapolis. Founded in 2012, this nonselective charter school partners closely with parents to provide an outstanding, differentiated grade school education for a student population that is largely eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. The curriculum includes art, music, physical fitness and significant use of technology. Overall student math proficiency has already increased from 14 percent to 84 percent. Reading scores are equally impressive. — Susan B. Noyes
HORIZONS FOR YOUTH MISSION: Horizons for Youth commits to helping children across all academic abilities, socioeconomic statuses and neighborhoods recognize and achieve his or her full potential. They believe with the proper support every child can graduate high school and college—and successfully enter the workforce. EXEMPLARY BECAUSE: Horizons For Youth tracks student performance closely
through an individualized approach to ensure that each student’s unique needs are met. The organization carries out its mission by ensuring students attend quality schools, matching them with a mentor and tutor and providing students with counseling services. The organization meets with students in first grade and remains with them through their college placement. Executive Director Audrey George says the organization holds the bar very high and the students rise to meet their expectations. In the 24 years that the organization has been in existence, 99 percent of their students have graduated from high school and 80 percent of them have gone on to attend college. —Maura Flaherty
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION
AUDIENCE CHOICE
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PHILANTHROPY AWARDS BY THE NUMBERS
Second City Summer Comedy Camp
SITSTAYREAD » 2,021 children served in 76 classrooms, visited by 192 volunteers and 60 dogs » 18,784 books read in program last year » Children in the program make 47.8% greater fluency gains than their non-participating peers
SKIN OF STEEL » One person dies of melanoma every 57 minutes » Only 6 FDA-approved therapies for metastatic melanoma exist » The Tissue Bank will gather over 500 specimens, yielding 50,000 assays for research » Fundraising goal of $3.5 million will cover 3 years of Tissue Bank start up and maintenance
SOLIDARITY BRIDGE » In 2014, 1457 patients served » 70 Missioners on 6 trips » Celebrating 15 years of Solidarity
» $7,540,453 donated in medical supplies » 441 Surgeries performed
TREES THAT FEED FOUNDATION » 62,000 trees distributed » 50 U.S. Volunteers » 1200 schools partnered with; 600 schools supplied thus far
» 50 partnering organizations » Cost for one tree: $15 » $200 will provide 400 breadfruit meals to a school in Haiti
REFUGEE ONE » In 2014, assisted 447 refugee arrivals from 43 countries » Helped 541 people become U.S. Citizens » Taught English to 280 people » Found jobs for 198 refugees
» Engaged more than 400 volunteers » 89% of funds raised go toward program services » $1000 provides furnishings for a family apartment » $250 buys harvesting
HORIZONS FOR YOUTH » Over the 25 years of the program, 99% of students graduate from high school; 80% go on to college » 200 students currently served
» 350 volunteers involved » Over $127,851 awarded in grants and scholarships to the class of 2014
CRUSHERS CLUB » 200 young men served with 90% improved academic performance; 1 Golden Glove winner » 85% of participants from the juvenile justice system did not reoffend » Annual cost is $3500 per person, as opposed to $27,500 per person to incarcerate
PHALEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES » 8-hour school day (vs. standard 6.5) » 200-day academic year (vs. 180) » currently serving 300 students grades K-3
» 93% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch » Math proficiency increased from 14% to 84% » Reading proficiency increased from 33% to 90%
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE
BY MAUR A FL AHERT Y
GI V E SU PP ORT GET EVERYONE IN THE GAME Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Services (GLASA) 847-283-0908 | glasa.org “Let No One Sit on the Sidelines” by making a donation online at glasa. org. GLASA promotes and supports the continued development of youth and adults, including injured military, who have a primary physical or visual disability. Located in Lake Forest, the organization offers recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities ranging from wheelchair basketball and football to horsemanship and scuba diving. GLASA works to empower clients through education, leadership and training.
GI V E T H I NGS DONATE FOOD AND TOILETRIES TO NEIGHBORS IN NEED New Trier Food Pantry 847-446-8202 | newtriertownship.com Donate items to the New Trier Food Pantry and help residents whose incomes do not cover all their needs. Visit newtriertownship.com to see the pantry’s priority list. Some items currently on the priority list include: aluminum foil, plastic wrap, baby wipes, canned fruit, cookies, crackers, toiletries, napkins and paper towels. The pantry is open to qualified residents of New Trier Township, which include the villages of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka and Glencoe, plus portions of Glenview and Northfield. In order to qualify for assistance, a social worker meets with the individual making the request and determines if they are eligible for assistance. If you are a New Trier Township resident in need or if you know of a resident in need, please call the Social Services Administrator at 847446-8201 for a confidential interview. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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HELP INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Center For Independent Futures 847-328-2044 | independentfutures.com Help serve individuals with disabilities and their families by making a donation at independentfutures.com. Center for Independent Futures helps individuals with disabilities carry out full, independent lives through a variety of social activities including yoga, art classes, dating club and writing workshops. Most of CIF’s participants are at the poverty line due to lack of state and federal funding, and therefore sometimes unable to afford the subsidized cost of these activities. People with disabilities often isolate themselves at home due to lack of money, and isolation can lead to depression. CIF would be grateful for donations made to social activity scholarships so that all the individuals they serve can participate. To donate or learn more about CIF, please visit independentfutures.com. GIVE WOMEN ACCESS TO COUNSELING SERVICES Samaritan Counseling Center 847-446-6955 | northshoresamaritan.org Make an online donation in honor of a woman who has helped mend your heart at northshoresamaritan.org. The Silent Samaritan Fund helps women who are struggling pay for counseling on a sliding scale. Many underserved women in the community are hurting in silence. In a matter of moments divorce, illness, anxiety or unemployment can push these women and their children into emotional crisis. The annual Silent Samaritan Appeal was created to ensure that all women get the support that they need. They will be hosting a Wellspring Men’s event in May, details to be determined. For more information please contact Joellen at jhosler@northshoresamaritan.org. MAKE THE ARTS AVAILABLE FOR MORE CHILDREN Urban Gateways 312-922-0440| urbangateways.org Help nearly 70,000 children across Chicago access high-quality arts programs by attending Urban Gateways annual gala or making an online donation. Urban Gateways offers arts programs led by trained and experienced professional artists in music, dance, theater, literary arts, visual arts and digital media. Urban Gateways sees arts education as essential to healthy childhood development. Programs are offered for kids and teens in grades pre-K through 12, as well as their families, teachers and communities. The organization aids in the collaboration of artists and teachers so that together they can develop and deliver integrated arts curricula. Their annual Art for All Gala will be held at the Art Institute of Chicago on Friday, March 20. Tickets can be purchased at urbangateways.org/events. For more information, please call 312-445-2749.
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PROVIDE READING & WRITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEEN PARENTS Literature For All of Us 847-869-7323 | literatureforallofus.org Make a monetary gift online at literatureforallofus.org to help teen parents and youth in underserved neighborhoods become independent readers. By providing young people with literacy skills, Literature For All of Us hopes to encourage them to find their voices and write their stories. The organization teaches reading and writing skills through book group discussions. They strive to build communities of readers, poets and critical thinkers.
GI V E T I M E TEACH CHILDREN TO READ IN AN INTERACTIVE WAY SitStayRead 773-661-9251 | sitstayread.org Volunteer as a Book Buddy or Big Buddy, and with the help of some canine friends, help children learn how to read. SitStayRead uses trained dogs, dog-themed books and writing assignments to change a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reading session from an abstract concept into a real life experience. SitStayReadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative approach has shown results: the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) oral reading frequency assessment test indicates significant improvement in classrooms with SitStayRead volunteers. Programs are free for public schools and community facilities serving low-income families. Book Buddies/ Big Buddies work with the same group of children each week. You will implement literacy interventions formulated by SitStayRead including both reading and writing components. The commitment is one hour and 15 minutes per week for up to eight weeks. Training is required and involves a volunteer orientation and literacy training. For more information, please visit sitstayread.org.
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | better makers
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THE AMERICAN COMMITTEE FOR THE WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Annual Midwest Region Gala Dinner Nov. 8, 2014 The Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Nearly $1 million raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Dinner co-chairs Renee Crown of Wilmette and William Marovitz of Chicago; (2) Jordan Stein, Avy and Marcy Stein and Justin Stein, all of Glencoe; (3) Tom and Barbara Harris of Glenview; (4) Researchers from Weizmann Institute of Science.
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Event sponsors Laureate Sponsor: Garoon and Family Catered by The Fairmont Chicago
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PHOTOS BY MITCHEL CANOFF PHOTOGRAPHY; IMPACT PHOTO COURTESY OF WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | better makers
MISERICORDIA WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOARD
Heart of Mercy Ball Nov. 14, 2014 Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel $680,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Windy City Live co-hosts Ryan Chiaverini and Val Warner, Holly Jennings of Glenview, Beth Merlo of Glen Ellyn; (2) John and Annette Herring of Chicago; (3) Heart of Mercy Award recipients Edmund and Bernadette Boyle of Park Ridge; (4) Misericordia Heartbreakers.
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NORTH SHORE BOARD OF THE NORTHWESTERN SETTLEMENT HOUSE
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Catered by The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
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Glitter Ball Nov. 1, 2014 Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago $375,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Theresa Malin and Kate Huff of Winnetka, Ginny Burnstine of Glencoe and Alyson Aron of Winnetka; (2) Julie and Don Rocap of Winnetka; (3) Kathy and Matt Waldman of Wilmette; (4) Kids at House in the Wood Camp. Catered by Four Seasons Hotel
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THE WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOARD OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO
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ZooLA 2014 Nov.13, 2014 The Casino $270,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1 ) Bridget and Matt Campbell of Glencoe, Tina and Mike Leopardo of Chicago; (2) Myra and John Reilly of Lake Forest; (3) A Japanese Macaque. Proceeds from ZooLA will support projects such as Regenstein Macaque Forest, opening in early 2015. Event sponsors Peter Francis Geraci and Geraci Law LLC Denise and John Ginascol Abby Zanarini Don Funk
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JEWISH UNITED FUND YOUNG LEADERSHIP DIVISION
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PHOTOS BY VIOLET DOMINEK OF REILLY PHOTOGRAPHY; IMPACT PHOTO COURTESY OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO
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Big Event Fundraiser Dec. 13, 2014 The Sheraton Chicago $333,000 raised SHOWN IN PHOTOS: (1) Late Night host and SNL alum Seth Meyers , originally of Evanston; (2) Marissa Saltzman, Brandon Prosansky, Sara Grossman and 2015 YLD President, Andrew Grossman, all of Chicago; (3) Stefanie Pervos Bregman and Lonnie Pervos Finkle, both of Chicago; (4) JUF mobilizes resources to uplift the local and global Jewish community.
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PHOTOS BY ROBERT F. KUSEL
Lead sponsor Eleven Lincoln Park
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE | local treasure
EVANSTON SCHOLARS MENTORS HELP LOW-INCOME TEENS THRIVE IN COLLEGE BY MAUR A FL AHERT Y
senior at Evanston Township High School who hopes to study business or engineering next year at college. He is still deciding whether he wants to stay close to home and attend Lake Forest College or travel further away and attend one of his top choices, Western Michigan University. But a year and a half ago, Martinez wasn’t sure he’d ever have the chance to make that decision. “The first college I looked up was Lake Forest College. I saw the price and I thought ‘How in the world am I going to get this money?’” Martinez says. Evanston Scholars (evanstonscholars.org) is a program working to help first-generation, high-achieving students at ETHS like Martinez get into and prosper at “good-fit” colleges. “They don’t give out money, but they help you find it,” Martinez says. “I had no idea where to start, and they narrowed it down with me.” Program founder Steve Newman is a teacher at ETHS. He says he started the program because he saw so many ambitious students drop out of college. “That was so hard to see and I still see it—they go for a semester and then they come back and then they’re working, and then they’re still working,” Newman says. These students don’t make long-term plans and, therefore, limit their possibilities for the future, he says. Only 8 percent of high-achieving, low-income students are “achievement typical” in their application patterns, meaning they applied to institutions that closely matched their abilities, according to a 2013 study called “The Missing One-Offs: The Hidden
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Supply of High-Achieving Low-Income Students.” Newman says he thinks the biggest problem for his organization’s target population is the lack of support once they arrive on campus. Evanston Scholars combats this issue with a dedicated staff and longterm mentorship. Once students are accepted to competitive programs, they are matched with a mentor who provides support for the next six years. Mentors assist with everything from writing college essays to scheduling school visits to understanding scholarship/financial information. “I remember when we were working on my college essay statement, my mentor and I started around 7 p.m. and the next thing you know, we are working on polishing it up and trying to gather my ideas, and it’s three in the morning,” says Martinez. “He told me it’s worth it to him because all of this is going to pay off later.”
BECOMING A MENTOR The only qualification for applying to be a mentor: you must be a college graduate. “It’s a big time commitment if you’re going to do it well,” says mentor Jennifer Steans. Steans, who owns a private equity firm in Chicago, says the program provides mentors with structure and helpful tools, but every mentor goes about the process their own way. Steans says that she would meet with her mentee on Sunday afternoons. They would go over materials, do work and then she would invite her mentee to stay for family dinner. One of the most rewarding things for Steans was seeing where her mentee ended up going to school.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVANSTON SCHOLARS
JONATHAN MARTINEZ, 18, IS A
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Evanston Scholars
“She has told me under no certain terms that she believes she really would have been at Oakton Community College,” Steans says. “Instead, she’s on almost a full ride to Lake Forest College, where she is studying to be an elementary teacher, which is what her dream has been.”
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS Newman estimates it costs $15,000 per student to come through the program for six years. For the organization’s most recent class, each student was granted an average of $126,000 of scholarship money for four years of college. “So if you look monetarily at return on investment, that’s a nice rate of return,” Newman says. Evanston Scholars participants apply to 10 schools on average. The national average is three. The program currently accepts 30 students, but Newman would like to increase
enrollment to 40. Newman says the toughest part is turning down qualified students, but he’s pleased to see program participants helping classmates. “Right now I know a couple of students who have actually asked me for help on their college applications,” Martinez says. “I finished six applications before I even started the school year, so I offered my help.” A college degree nearly quadruples the chances for children born into the bottom fifth of the income distribution to make it to the top, according to a 2008 report titled “Getting Ahead or Losing Ground: Economic Mobility in America.” Martinez says his parents often tell him, “We have a good life, but we want you to have a better life.” “I want to make sure I get there,” Martinez says. “And if other people need help, I want to make sure I get them there with me.”
OTHER COLLEGE PREP PROGRAMS SIMILAR TO EVANSTON SCHOLARS INCLUDE: Knowledge is Power Program, KIPP Schools (read “Author Malcolm Gladwell Champions KIPP Schools” at MAKEITBETTER.NET) College Bound Opportunities • Chicago Scholars • Northwestern Academy
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CLOSING THOUGHTS
“My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch fire, or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one else cares. Why should you?” — Erma Bombeck
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