Make It Better November/December 2017 Holiday and 10th Anniversary issue by Make It Better

T H E H O L I D AY & 1 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y I S S U E NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

MERRY + BRIGHT HOLIDAY LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA Make family time shine with this canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t-miss list THE BETTER GIFT GUIDE 38 presents with purpose 100 IMPACT STORIES PAY IT FORWARD Where to donate food, clothes, toys, and more

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A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | Lake Geneva, WI

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The festivities at Grand Geneva include carefree Christmas adventures for the kids and soothing spa time for mom or dad. Book your stay today at GrandGeneva.com

Village Toy Shop

Get Dwell

the 3 8 th l a nnua

YOUR HOLIDAY SALE OF THE SEASON

Bedside Manor

Londo Mondo

Doyle Opticians

WE’RE PROUD TO BE

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BANK

We didn’t end up here by accident. Unlike other banks in our market, we were built here, for here, and we’re committed to this area’s success. When you bank with a Wintrust Community Bank, your money goes back into things that matter most to you: the local economy, local organizations and charities, and the strength of our local community. We care about these things too because, for us, this isn’t just where we work. This is home.

WINNETKA’S COMMUNITY BANK

NORTHFIELD’S COMMUNITY BANK

576 Lincoln Ave. | Winnetka, IL 60093 847-441-2265 | www.nscbank.com

245 Waukegan Rd. | Northfield, IL 60093 847-446-0245 | www.northview.com

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BANKING!

BloOuts Blow Dry Bar

PROUD TO BE A WINTRUST COMMUNITY BANK. We are nearly 3,500 community and commercial bankers, home loan officers, financial advisors and specialty lenders focused solely on our customers and the communities where they live. We all have the same mission: To provide best-in-class financial services to all of our customers, be the local alternative to the big banks, and to improve the communities which we call home.

North Shore Community Bank & Trust is a branch of Wintrust Bank. Northview Bank & Trust is a branch of Northbrook Bank & Trust Company.

Maze Home

Optique

(PICTURED TOP LEFT TO RIGHT) Good Grapes Offering an array of affordable boutique wines and a curated cellar collection. GoodGrapes.com 847.242.9800 Village Toy Shop A favorite for wonderful toys, we help you find the perfect gift! villagetoyshopIL.com 847.446.7990 Get Dwell Providing exceptional remodeling, repair and handyman services to Chicago and the suburbs. getdwell. com 847.922.3418 CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Real Estate conlonrealestate.com 847.242-7600 Mattie M Women’s clothing boutique featuring designers from the US and Europe. mattiem.com 847.784.8701 Blowdry Boutique North Shore’s luxury quick in & out blowout service. BlowdryBoutiques.com 847.386.7137 Kaehler Luggage Kaehler Luggage has been outfitting world travelers since 1920. worldtraveler.com 847.849.9804 Bedside Manor Discover our fine linens, furniture and more. shopbedside.com 847.441.0969 Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce Provides tourism, business, and community information to promote and enhance a healthy business environment. winnetkanorthfieldchamber.com 847.446.4451 Material Possessions 40 years of style and elegance for your ever-changing life. materialpossessions.com 847.446.8840 Londo Mondo Swimwear, street wear, workout or dresses. Londo Mondo literally has you covered! londomondo.com 224.255.6466 Doyle Opticians Providing the North Shore with expertly crafted eyewear for 45 years.doyleopt.com 847.446.6264 847.446.3917 North Shore Community Bank Full Retail and Commercial Banking Services including Mortgages and Wealth Management Solutions. nscbank.com 847.441.2265 E STREET DENIM Exceptional and unique women’s contemporary clothing, jewelry and accessories. estreetdenim.com 847.784.8805 Valentina Eclectic mix of women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, home & gifts. shopvalentina.com, 847.786.3346 BloOuts Blow Dry Bar Offering $35 BloOuts, along with up dos and braids. bloouts.com 847.681.9180 Orrington Jewelers Fine Jewelry Store serving Winnetka and the North Shore for 30 years. orringtonjewelers.com 847.446.5171 Maze Home Find holiday decor and gifts for everyone. mazehome.com 847.441.1115 Optique A luxury eyewear boutique located in the heart of Winnetka. optiquenorthshore.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017 WINNETKA & NORTHFIELD

O U R PAT I E N C E and PA S S I O N

GIVE

O U R P L A N T S the P R O M I S E o f a B E AU T I F U L F U T U R E

& W H AT T H EY B E C O M E MIGHT JUST

TA K E YO U R B R E AT H AWAY

We are Chalet. The North Shoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one landscaping destination. Discover how our 100-year-old legacy continues to inspire our innovations at chaletnursery.com 8

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Experience the magic Dec. 1 - Jan. 7 This holiday season, unwrap excitement at the Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest. With dozens of rides, games and activities like wall climbing, inﬂatable sledding hills and the ice skating rink, it’s holiday fun for the whole family. SAVE WHE N YO U B U Y T I C K ETS AT N AV Y P I ER .O RG C EN T EN N I AL W H E E L R I D E I N C LU D E D W I T H EACH TI CKET

DOWN LOA D

N EBWEARPP2 0 1 7 N O V E M B E R / D E CTHE EM

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Shop

Eat

Explore

For holiday shopping and event information visit WilmetteKenilworth.com

Hubba Hubba 4

Yellow Bird Stationary 7

Nick's Bar & Grill

Lambrecht's Jewelers 5

Exhibit 8

Raven and Dove Jewelry

Vibrato Boutique 6

La Colonna Imports 9

1) Hubba Hubba 1105 Central Ave., Wilmette, 847-728-0272, hubbahubbawilmette .com 2) Lambrecht's Jewelers 1131 Central Ave., #17, Wilmette, 847-251-3284, lambrechtsjewelers.com 3) Vibrato Boutique Plaza del Lago, 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 847-853-1434, vibratoboutique.com 4) Yellow Bird Stationary, Invitations and Gifts 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 847-256-1380, yellowbirdstore.com 5) Exhibit 1148 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-5840, shopexhibit.com, facebook.com/shopexhibit 6) La Colonna Imports Plaza del Lago, 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 847-251-7535, plazadelago.com/la-colonna 7) Nickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-3262, nickswilmette.com 8) Raven and Dove Jewelry and Gifts 1143 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-9550, ravenanddove.com 9) Share 1177 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-767-1915, sharewilmette.com

“GETS AT THE

TRUE MEANING

OF CHRISTMAS”

THE

–The Daily Southtown

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THE

COLLECTION Buying • Selling • Renting • Relocation • Investing

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

FEATURES 22

100 Great Impact Stories for 10 Great Years By Julie Chernoff and Susan B. Noyes

Thanks for the Memories: Chicago Chefs Share Holiday Recipes By Julie Chernoff

The Art of the Kids Table PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

By Hope Nichols

Punch Drunk

By Julie Chernoff1

Tradition, Tradition By Cara Sullivan

The Better Gift Guide By Cara Sullivan

All Aglow: Chicago’s Best Holiday Lights By Nicole Schnitzler

THE

MAGIC & JOY OF THE

HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE!

CELEBRATE THE GOLDEN MOMENTS OF AS THEY BECOME TREASURED MEMORIES OF

TODAY....

TOMORROW.

AND LET AUTOHAUS ON EDENS TAKE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFELY TO ALL YOUR HOLIDAY EVENTS IN A NEW MERCEDES-BENZ. FOR OVER 45 YEARS, AUTOHAUS ON EDENS HAS PROUDLY SERVED GENERATIONS OF CHICAGOLAND FAMILIES. COME IN NOW FOR EXCEPTIONAL PRICING, FINANCE AND LEASE OFFERS ON OUR ENTIRE LINE-UP.

New 2018 GLE

New 2018 GLC SUV

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AUTOHAUS ON EDENS… WE DRIVE YOUR DREAMS.

Mercedes-Benz at Autohaus on Edens

1600 Frontage Rd. • Northbrook, IL 60062 1 800 NEW BENZ • autohausonedens.com

(On the Edens Expressway between Willow & Dundee)

DEPARTMENTS REAL ESTATE

The Home Stretch 42

By Megan Craig

FAMILY

O Christmas Tree! 58 By Heather Blackmore

HEALTH & FITNESS Work It 74

By Manon Blackman

The Most Wonderful 88 Time of the Year

FASHION

74 58

Look Snow Good 84

By Tracy Clifford and Cara Sullivan

TRAVEL

Why Not Take a Road Trip 87 By Wendy Altschuler

ENTERTAINMENT

Let it Show!

By Robert Loerzel

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Where to Donate: A Holiday Guide

By Olivia Ellis and Ann Marie Scheidler

IN EVERY ISSUE

18 founder’s letter 30 you said it 32 from the web 34 fresh 36 community celebrations 38 event listing give time, give things, 102 give support 104 110

better makers and their impact closing thoughts

Navy Pier: The Future 108

is Bright

By Bret Walrath

FINANCE

Giving Thanks 100 By Susan Pasternak

The views expressed in sponsored content are the opinions of advertisers and not the views of Make It Better.

TOP PHOTO BY ANDREW MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY; SECOND PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLICON; THIRD PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL O’DONNELL; FOURTH PHOTO BY LIZ LAUREN; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF MANUFACTURER

By Christy Coughlin

A. PERRY HOMES ARCHITECTS

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NEW CONSTRUCTION A. Perry Homes are the architects, builders, and remodelers of choice for families who believe that making their dream home should be worry free and designed for their needs in mind. Whether your project consists of updating a condo in the city, a new gourmet kitchen, whole house remodel, or a custom home, our team is ready to design and build something special for you. With over 30 years of award winning experience and a reputation that is unmatched in the industry, we are uniquely qualified to serve you best. Allow us to demonstrate the value that design build can offer. The A. Perry Design Studio proudly features Marvin Windows & Doors.

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FOUNDER’S LET TER

BIG NEWS BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

Welcome to our holiday issue! We’re feeling especially grateful this season, not only for your continued support of our publication—this issue marks our 10th anniversary in Chicagoland—but also because we’ve got big news to share: We’re expanding! As we hope you know, our digital platform and events are an important extension of our trusted brand. (If you haven’t yet signed up for our email newsletter “Better Letter” please do.) And thanks to our recent acquisition of two outstanding magazines on the West Coast—Marin Magazine and Spaces— we will be launching makeitbetter.net, Better Letters, and our unique events in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2018. There’s even more good news: As we teach the Bay Area about our web and events, Marin Magazine will be helping us improve the quality of our publication. The outcome is sure to impact both readers and the world, and we’re very excited to share these changes with you. But first, please pause with us to celebrate our decade of extraordinary growth by reading about Make it Better’s impact (page 22), engaging with our powerful online content (page 32), or by attending our anniversary celebration at William Blair’s stunning new headquarters on November 7 (page 28). We look forward to an exciting and hopeful 2018 with you by our side. Happy Holidays.

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The Mission of Make It Better is to be the most trusted, easiest-to-use community resource that helps you make your life and the lives of others better—online, in print and in person. We accomplish this by providing the highest quality lifestyle content for our audience and connecting them to the businesses and nonprofits they support. 18 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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COMMUNITY IS THE NAME OF OUR GAME When we opened our doors we made a commitment to be a great community partner, a great place to work and provide an entertainment experience like no other for our guests. We are grateful for our opportunity to better the Chicagoland community!

RIVERSCASINO.COM | 888.307.0777 | 3000 S. River Road | Des Plaines, IL 60018 Must be 21 years of age or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

19 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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William Blair has a global financial footprint and is personally committed to each of the communities where we work and live. Bernieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Book Bank in Chicago is one of the many valued partners William Blair invests in with our volunteer time and financial resources.

Investments in our community yield the greatest return

ME D IA

Connections & Impact

10TH ANNIVERSARY

and SF BAY AREA LAUNCH

As we celebrate Make It Better’s 10th anniversary and launch in the SF Bay Area, we invite you to join us for an exclusive evening of powerful, positive connections. Get inspired as we look back on 10 years of impact in Chicago, and join us in creating 10 more Guests will enjoy a guided tour of William Blair’s private art installation. Music graciously provided by Music Institute of Chicago.

Tuesday, November 7 | 5-7pm Program 5:45pm

The William Blair Building 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago Space is highly limited

RSVP to your Make It Better Representative. PRESENTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

ywca EVANSTON / NORTH SHORE

celebration!

This year is

different.nt.

Friday, November 10 at 6:30 pm Venue One North Shore, Deerfield

Join us to honor the amazing women from our communities who have had lasting impact in the areas of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment and racial justice and celebrate the important work of YWCA Evanston/North Shore. (Plus delicious food, a great band, good company, and an important cause!)

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raise our voices (and a glass!) in unity. rsvp online/give online at ywomen17.gesture.com

Evanston/North Shore

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

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Thanks for all the emails, letters, tweets and Facebook messages this month! Here’s what you had to say: Hi Susan, We are still using much of the original footage of the video “award” that we received from Make It Better, and it has been instrumental in helping us grow our program. We are now in 25 cities, with nearly 200 corporate partners and 5,000 tutors. Thank you for helping us expand and thrive! —Seth Weinberger, Innovations for Learning

You can still apply for our 6th Annual Philanthropy Awards. Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 15 (National Philanthropy Day). To learn more, visit makeitbetter.net/awards. In response to “How Worried Should Parents of Athletes Be About Concussions?” (makeitbetter.net/concussion):

PHOTO BY ERICA BARRACA

My son played football from junior high through freshman year in college. First semester of his freshman year in college he suffered a life-changing concussion. It took nine months for the mental fog and multiple other symptoms to ease. Seven years later he still has lingering memory issues. Allowing your child to play football is like allowing them to play Russian roulette with a loaded gun. I wish I had understood that earlier. —Peggy McDonell Ross

In response to “The 12 Best Pizzas to Try in Chicago Right Now” (makeitbetter.net/pizzas): Great list. Drive a little further north and try Pizzeria DeVille in Libertyville and/or Slyce in Wauconda. You won’t be sorry. —John Durning

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

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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Vincent Williams @bizbyvince Outstanding time @makeitbetterNS Boat Cruise. Experiencing Chicago, enjoying the skyline, networking and some killer jazz! #continuedsuccess

321 N. Clark, Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60654 | 847-256-4642 Founder & Editorial Director Susan B. Noyes Publisher Michelle Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rourke Morris Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida Editor In Chief Digital Managing Editor Print Managing Editor Editorial Assistant

Brooke McDonald Anna Carlson Cara Sullivan Avery Hansen

Art Director Erica Barraca Designer Agnieszka Hansen Graphic Design Intern Brian Von Kaenel

Beauty Editor Dining Editor Fashion Editor Contributing Writers

Jenny Muslin Julie Chernoff Tracy Clifford Wendy Altschuler Heather Blackmore Christy Coughlin Megan Craig Olivia Ellis Robert Loerzel Hope Nichols Susan Pasternak Ann Marie Scheidler Nicole Schnitzler Bret Walrath

Editorial Intern Alexis Miller

Technical Advisor Jennifer Speaker

Senior Account Executive Barbara Baisley Murray Account Executive Susan Becker Sales Marketing & Lindsay Stout Project Manager GOT FEEDBACK? Email susan@makeitbetter.net TO ADVERTISE: Contact michellemorris@makeitbetter.net HAVE AN EVENT? Email anna@makeitbetter.net

H O M E F O R T H E H O L I D AY S Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 6 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2016 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved. Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2016 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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Even more impressive than his on-field skills are the star linebacker’s family’s efforts to provide the Nigerian people with medical supplies and training for local pastors. Prepare to be inspired at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ACHO.

Catch the Buzz: Chicago’s 11 Best Coffee Shops The only thing better than a fresh cup of joe? Easy—a fresh cup of joe from a local café. To get your caffeine fix while supporting the small businesses that make our community unique, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/COFFEE.

what’s hot on makeitbetter.net FAMILY

GUIDES

Why You Should Think Before Disciplining Someone Else’s Child

Organizing Tips for a Beautiful Home

BETTER YOU

7 Naughty Ways to Have More Fun in Bed PHILANTHROPY

11 Best Young Professionals Groups in Chicago

DINING

The 12 Best Pizzas to Try in Chicago Right Now ENTERTAINMENT

5 of the Most Gorgeous College Towns in America

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

Behind the Scenes of the TODAY Show Make It Better contributing writer Donna Bozzo, author of “What the Fun?! 427 Ways to Have Fantastic Family Fun” (Penguin) and the upcoming “Fidget Busters” (Countryman), is a regular guest on the TODAY Show. Hop online for a sneak peek at what it’s like to be on one of America’s most popular morning television programs, from the prep and the props to drinking wine with Kathie Lee and Hoda. MAKEITBETTER.NET/TODAY

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TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COFFEE STUDIO; MIDDLE PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA BOZZO; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO BEARS

Sam Acho: A Chicago Bear Gives Back

ON THE COVER T H E H O L I D AY & 1 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y I S S U E NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

FASHION OUTLETS

SHOPPING SOIREE

CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

JOIN MAKE IT BETTER FOR SOME FESTIVE FUN AND GET YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING DONE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 2017

10AM TIL 9PM open house event

01_COVERRev_Nobox.indd 2

10/19/17 3:52 PM

BRING A NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY TO DONATE TO MERCY HOME AND RECEIVE: • ACCESS TO REFRESHMENTS AND APPETIZERS • FREE 7-DAY FASHION OUTLETS SAVINGS PASS • ENTRY IN A RAFFLE FOR A $100 FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO GIFT CARD Eadie Levy’s Landmark Café, one of the oldest buildings at the Lincoln Park Zoo dating back to 1899, lights up the night. This year marks the 23rd annual Zoolights, one of many events that helps keep our beloved zoo free and open 365 days a year. Prep for the extravaganza, which relies on more than 2.5 million lights to shine, begins in August and enlists two crews of five to six people. New this year? The Light Maze at the foreman Pavillion, a ticketonly experience in which guests can get lost amid 30,000—count ‘em!— twinkling bulbs. For more information on ZooLights, flip to page 76. Cover photo by Todd Rosenberg Bottom photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

• FREE 5X7’’ PHOTO FROM SANTA HQ, • PRESENTED BY HGTV (VISIT WWW.SANTA-HQ.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION)

RSVP: LINDSAY@MAKEITBETTER.NET OR WWW.EVENTBRITE.COM/E/FASHION-OUTLETS-SHOPPING-SOIREE-TICKETS-38746960201

COMPLIMENTARY PARKING

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Room with a View The recently remodeled Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is now home to Torali Italian-Steak, a new restaurant with Chef Gregory Elliot and General Manager of Food & Beverage Steve Serdor at the helm. Beyond an appetizing menu of fresh pastas, seafood, and prime and dry-aged meats, diners are drawn to the uniquely modern Italian décor as well as the Rooftop at Torali, which boasts stunning views of the city. TORALI ITALIAN-STEAK: 160 E. Pearson St., at Water Tower Place, Chicago, 312-573-5160, ToraliChicago.com

Eye-Opening Education In October, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center unveiled their Take a Stand Center, a multi-million-dollar exhibit designed to offer an even more powerful experience to museum attendees. Comprised of three galleries—the Survivor Stories Experience, the Goodman Upstander Gallery, and the Take A Stand Lab— this exhibit has the potential to be world changing; not only does it honor the survivors and victims of the Holocaust, but it exposes people of this generation to the past, educates them on the present, and inspires them for the future. ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER: 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, 847- 967-4800, illinoisholocaustmuseum.org/tas 34 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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Fashion for All In September, trendy online retailer ELOQUII stepped out of cyberspace and into its first Chicago store. The popular brand makes it easy to shop for women’s clothing trends in hard-to-find sizes 14-28, as well as stylish shoes and accessories. ELOQUII: The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-546-3883, eloquii.com

Downtown Dining In September, Chef Lee Wolen and Boka Restaurant Group opened Somerset in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Wolen and Boka have collaborated to create a menu that appeals to everyone with a focus on seasonal, responsibly, and locally-sourced ingredients. “We want to be known as the place in the neighborhood where guests can enjoy a delicious meal all day, every day in a beautifully designed and comfortable dining room,” says Kevin Boehm, co-founder of Boka Restaurant Group. SOMERSET: 1112 N. State, Chicago, 312-586-2150, somersetchicago.com

BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY HUGE GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

BY ALEXIS MILLER

YOUR HOLIDAY MOMENT, MADE. Whether in your home or one of Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most cherished venues, your holiday event is a moment that matters most. Food For Thought is there to make it special, make it rich, make it right. So all you have to do is live in it, love in it, and shine in it. So you can savor all of its magic.

chicago, illinois 847 982 2608 foodforthoughtchicago.com Exclusive Caterer to the Adler Planetarium, School of the Art Institute Ballroom, and Your Next Magical Moment.

# C E L E B R AT E

BY ALEXIS MILLER

Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYAC) This December, the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYAC) will celebrate 25 years of history and accomplishment with a gala celebration for students, family, alumni and the public. The evening, which will take place at the Symphony Center in Chicago on Dec. 29, will feature performances, dinner, and a toast to the evening’s performers. Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYAC): 878 Lyster Road, Highwood, 847-926-9898, MYA.org

The Jackson Chance Foundation In September, the Jackson Chance Foundation announced its expansion to a second hospital, Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital. The program, which originated at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, was created to remove the stress of parking fees from parents and families with critically ill babies receiving treatment in the NICU (families can spend up to $1,000 every month on parking alone while visiting their children). So far, the foundation has provided parking for 73,000 hospital visits, and due to the increase in awareness and support of the foundation, it will now be able to touch the lives of even more families. The organization’s largest fundraiser, the Ping Pong Ball, will take place Nov. 9 at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Jackson Chance Foundation: 230 N. Michigan Ave., 37th Floor, Chicago, 312-334-6658, jacksonchance.org 36

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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Northwestern Medicine U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Rankings for 2017-2018 are in and feature three different Northwestern Medicine hospitals. The Honor Roll is comprised of 20 of the best U.S. hospitals—based on their quality of care across the board—and Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been ranked No. 1 in the Chicago Metro Region and in Illinois—for the sixth consecutive year. Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital ranked No. 5 in both the Chicago Metro and Illinois Regions, and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital ranked 18th in the Chicago Metro Region and came in at No. 23 in Illinois. Northwestern Memorial Hospital: 251 E. Huron St., Chicago, 312-926-2000, nm.org; Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital: 25 N. Winfield Road, Winfield, 630-9331600, nm.org; Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital: 5660 N. Westmoreland Road, 847-234-5600, nm.org

BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY KASIA JAROSZ ; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

The American Writers Museum Named Best Illinois Attraction by USA Today/10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, this museum ranked No. 1 above nine other top Illinois attractions, including Morton Arboretum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which took second and third place. The American Writers Museum provides an opportunity to celebrate some of the most influential writers of all time and experience their work. The American Writers Museum: 180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 505, Chicago, 312-374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org

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#EVENTS

R E C O M M E N D E D

Stay up to date on all the happenings.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/EVENTS

BY ANNA CARLSON

NOVEMBER “RACE: Are We So Different?” Opens Nov. 11 NOV History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago 11 Chicago chicagohistory.org/race This new exhibit, developed by the American Anthropological Association with the Science Museum of Minnesota, is the first in the country to look at race and racism from biological, cultural and historical points of view. Highlights of the exhibit include The Colors We Are, where visitors can scan their skin and see their color “chip” on a screen next to those of other visitors; Living with Race Theatre, in which visitors can listen (and respond) to people discussing their personal experiences with race and racism; and a study of high blood pressure that illustrates the intricacies of race, racism and medicine.

”Race: Are We So Different?”

Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes NOV Nov. 2-5 2 Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont rosemont.com, marveluniverselive.com In this action-packed show, Spider-Man, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy are coming to Rosemont to stop Loki from getting the Wand of Watoomb. With cuttingedge effects, stunts and video, this show is one any Marvel fan won’t want to miss. SOFA CHICAGO NOV Nov. 2-5 2 Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | sofaexpo.com Whether you’re shopping for the holidays or for yourself, don’t miss Chicago’s longest-running art fair. Roughly 80 galleries from around the world will showcase the best in Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art and Design. Plus, the event will feature the Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Roadshow, the Connect Design Competition, a lecture series, and more. The Opening Night Preview is on Nov. 2, and will benefit Americans for The Arts. Antiques + Modernism Show NOV Nov. 3-5 3 Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka | thewinnetkashow.com Nationally recognized dealers will once again showcase furniture, home accessories, art, clothing and jewelry at this annual show. Special events include a discussion with Edmund Hollander, Michael Del Piero and Steve Kadlec, and Color: Pigment to Perception. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Winnetka Community House, and it all kicks off with a Preview Party on Nov. 2. Chicago International Children’s Film Festival at Wilmette Theatre Nov. 3-5 NOV 3 Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette wilmettetheatre.com Facets’ international film festival highlights the newest and most innovative children’s films, a few of which will be showcased at Wilmette Theatre this year from Nov. 3-5. For a complete schedule, plus information about the additional six Chicago-area locations hosting the film festival, visit facets.org.

38 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION AND SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA

editor’s pick

#EVENTS

An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth NOV Nov. 4 4 Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora | paramountaurora.com Tony and Emmy award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth will hit the Paramount Theatre stage for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening. If you purchase VIP tickets, you’ll not only get to meet Chenoweth after the show, but you’ll also be supporting the Kristin Chenoweth Arts & Education Fund, part of ArtsOK, Inc., The Regional Arts Alliance of Broken Arrow.

TOP PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF TASTE OF RAVNESWOOD

Glamour and Gourmet: A Girls’ Night Out Nov. 9 NOV 9 Andreas Hogue Salon, 840 Willow Road, Northbrook | andreashogue.com Get ready for the holiday season with an evening of pampering at Best of 2017 winner Andreas Hogue Salon. Enjoy wine and gourmet appetizers before receiving either a hairstyle/ consult, makeup application/lesson or manicure. Plus, all proceeds will benefit Sister Paulanne of OLPH in Glenview and her work with the Needy Family Fund. RSVP at 847-272-1616. Taste of Ravenswood NOV Nov. 10 10 Ravenswood Event Center, 4025 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago | ravenswoodchicago.org/ taste-of-ravenswood Ravenswood’s microbreweries and restaurants will team up for one delicious evening. Tickets include 20 tasting pours and unlimited food. Or, get in early with a VIP ticket to meet chefs and brewers, try unlimited food and tasting pours, and leave with a swag bag. “Real American: Growing Up a Biracial Black Woman in America” NOV Nov. 13 13 Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 25 E. Pearson St., Chicago; Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston familyactionnetwork.net Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of “How to Raise an Adult” and “Real American: A Memoir,” and the former dean of freshman and undergraduate advising at Stanford University, will speak as part of Family Action Network’s yearly programming. A complete list of this year’s speakers can be found online.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in Concert NOV Nov. 24-26 24 Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | cso.org Experience the magic of “Harry Potter” like you never have before. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Best of 2017 winners for Best Music Outing) will perform the score of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” as you watch the film on a giant screen. One Book | One Community 2017 North Shore Author Event NOV Nov. 30 30 North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park | spertus.edu/OneBook Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership is celebrating Jewish Book Month (Nov. 12 to Dec. 12) with its One Book | One Community 2017 selection, “Windy City Blues” by Renée Rosen. Join Spertus for its North Shore author event, featuring a reception, book signing and presentation with Rosen. Spots can be reserved online.

DECEMBER

Nick Offerman: Full Bush DEC Dec. 1 1 The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago | thechicagotheatre.com Nick Offerman (aka Ron Swanson of “Parks and Recreation”) is coming back to Chicago with a solo stand-up show. Offerman will comment on everything from surviving in the wild to body hair. “WICKED” DEC Opens Dec. 6 6 Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago | broadwayinchicago.com “WICKED” is back! This story of the witches of Oz has received more than 100 international awards and was named by the New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade,” so whether you saw it on its first stop in Chicago or missed out, make sure you get your tickets this time around. And hurry—it’s only here until Jan. 21, 2018. Day of the Dead: Tilica y flaca es la calaca Closes Dec. 10 DEC Museum of Mexican Art, 10 National 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org Don’t miss the latest exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art (a

“WICKED”

Taste of Ravenswood

Best of 2017 winner!). Educational programs throughout the exhibit’s run include Sugar Skull Demonstrations through Nov. 4.

Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of these events: UNICEF USA’s Chicago Humanitarian Awards Nov. 3 The Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago unicefchicagoluncheon.org Navy Pier’s Centennial Gala Nov. 7 Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago pjhchicago.com/event/navypier YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s YWomen Celebration! Nov. 10 Venue One North Shore, 550 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield | ywca.org/evanston One Acre Fund’s 11th Annual Gala Dec. 6, 2017 Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago | oneacrefund.org JDRF Illinois’ One Dream Gala Dec. 9 Arie Crown Theatre, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | jdrf.org/illinois

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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#EVENTS

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS BY ANNA CARLSON

The Sisterhood of Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah Congregation Holiday Boutique Nov. 5 Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah Congregation, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette | bhcbe.org Santa HQ Nov. 10 to Dec. 24 Fashion Outlets of Chicago 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont fashionoutletsofchicago.com “Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” Nov. 10 to Dec. 31 Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago broadwayinchicago.com

Randolph Street’s Holiday Markets Nov. 18-19, Dec. 16-17 Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington, Chicago | randolphstreetmarket.com/ holiday-market “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 18 to Dec. 31 Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | goodmantheatre.org/carol Thanksgiving Parade Nov. 23 State Street from Congress to Randolph, Chicago | chicagofestivals.org

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light Nov. 16 to Jan. 7 Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago msichicago.org

Wonderland Express Nov. 24 to Jan. 7 (with closings throughout) Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe chicagobotanic.org/wonderland

The Woman’s Club of Evanston Holiday Bazaar Nov. 17-19 The Woman’s Club of Evanston 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston wcofe.org

ZooLights Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-23, 26-31, Jan. 1-7 Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago | lpzoo.org

“Scrooge and the Ghostly Spirits” Nov. 17 to Dec. 22 Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest | citadeltheatre.org Christkindlmarket Chicago Nov. 17 to Dec. 24 Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago | christkindlmarket.com Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum Nov. 17 to Jan. 1 (with closings throughout) The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle | mortonarb.org

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Nov. 18 Michigan Avenue, Chicago themagnificentmile.com/lights-festival

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017 6

“It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play” Nov. 30 to Dec. 31 Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview | oillamptheater.org

DECEMBER

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Holiday Magic Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 26-31 Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield | czs.org/magic Winter WonderFest Dec. 2 to Jan. 7 Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago navypier.com/winter-wonderfest A Pentatonix Christmas Dec. 3-5 The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago | thechicagotheatre.com One of a Kind Holiday Show Dec. 7-10 The Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago oneofakindshowchicago.com Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus — Naughty or Nice Dec. 9 North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie northshorecenter.org Holiday Harmonies Dec. 9 Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park | ravinia.org

“The Nutcracker” Dec. 1-30 Auditorium Theatre 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago joffrey.org/nutcracker

John Denver Christmas Show Dec. 16 Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont | rosemont.com

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 2 Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka winnetkacommunityhouse.org

Hanukkah Concert Dec. 17 Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe chicagobotanic.org

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PHOTO BY BY JIM PRICHARD

NOVEMBER

W HER E EXCEL L ENCE L I V ES

HIGHLAND PARK Amazing estate on 3.6 stunning lakefront acres with a 407-ft private beach. Enjoy or subdivide into 3 buildable lots. $8,250,000

ST. CHARLES Behind private gates & set on 7+ acres, this residence is an architectural masterpiece with 12,000 sf of luxury. $3,895,000

WAYNE Exceptional design & architecture complement gracious yet livable formality of this exquisite home. Sited on 4+ acres. $2,495,000

Represented by: Julie Deutsch 847.217.1277 Sharon Friedman 847.867.0052

Represented by: Debora McKay 630.587.4672

ST. CHARLES French inspired Chateau features timeless elegance tempered with refinement & comfort. Over 10,000 sf on 11+ acres. $1,795,000

EVANSTON Great location, near NU & the lake. Over 5,000 sq. ft. finished space including a guest house. New construction in 2014. $1,600,000

LONG GROVE Breathtaking ranch home on 2+ acres. Dramatic two-story great room overlooking beautifully landscaped grounds and pond. $1,299,000

Represented by: Debora McKay 630.587.4672

Represented by: Cathy & Joe Kozlarek 763.242.1013

Represented by: Beverly Ross 847.465.3693

ST. CHARLES Luxurious 7,000 sf home sure to impress the most discerning of buyers. 2 acres of privacy with mature trees & foliage. $1,295,000

DUNE ACRES, INDIANA Private, gated beach community 55 minutes from Chicago. 7,500 square feet, 2-minute walk to beach! 3-car garage. $1,199,000

ST. CHARLES Welcome to perfection. Over 8,000 sf of sophisticated style and comfortable elegance throughout this executive estate. $1,195,000

Represented by: Debora McKay 630.587.4672

Represented by: Dawn Bernhardt 219.241.0952

Represented by: Debora McKay 630.587.4672

COLDWELLBANKERLUXURY.COM

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ÂŠ2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are service marks registered or pending registration owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

# R E A L E S TAT E

THE HOME STRETCH BY MEGAN CRAIG

Making the decision to sell your house can be a bit like ending a long-term relationship—once you’ve made up your mind, you just want the whole thing over with already. But if you’re considering listing it right now, it could be in your best interest to hold tight for a few months, says Erik Schwinger, a real estate agent with Baird and Warner in Chicago. While late fall and early winter can offer some perks (there’s a lot less competition, for one), he warns that there’s a particular window—from Thanksgiving to New Year—when just about every market slows to a halt. Case in point: Anne Gustafson, who sold her condo in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood in April, says she and her husband were ready to put their place on the market at the end of November, but their agent advised them against it. “Since no one wants to buy a house right before the holidays, she warned us that it would probably sit with little movement until the new year, and then attract lowball offers because it had been on for so long,” she says. Instead, "we pulled the trigger at the end of February, had two offers within a week, and closed in early April. The bottom line: If you’re considering selling your place and have the luxury of time on your side, holding off until late winter or early spring is your best bet. In the meantime, heed the advice of our experts to ensure your listing rises to the top once it’s go time. JUST FIX THEM. All those minor maintenance issues you’ve been putting off? Repair them—we’re talking everything from screwing in new light bulbs and recaulking the tub to having a handyman come swap out that broken lock and adjust the rattling garbage disposal. “If you don’t deal with them now, you’ll end up paying for it at selling time," says Schwinger. To go the extra mile, consider having an inspection done to see if anything sticks out to someone who hasn’t lived in the home for a long time. WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN. You may love nothing more than a splash of bold color on the walls, but a burgundy dining room—or your teen’s hot pink bedroom—isn’t going to get your place sold. Like a clean, neutral canvas, “a coat of paint goes a really long way for

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER

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the staging, appearance and aesthetic of the home,” Schwinger says. If white feels too sterile, consider a light, neutral gray, “like Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl,” says Tessa Bediz of Two Inspired Design in Evanston. PURGE, BABY, PURGE. Anyone who’s seen an episode or two of Property Brothers knows that potential buyers don’t want to envision you in your home—they want to see themselves there. To get started, Schwinger suggests taking photos of each room in your home so you can see them from a potential buyer’s perspective. Start by boxing up family photos, inspirational quotes, your kid’s artwork, and anything overtly political, then move on to unnecessary decorative objects, oversized furniture—which can make the space feel smaller—and any piles of papers or magazines that have accumulated. Lastly, confine toys to the playroom and organize your closets. Some of these tasks are big projects, and a staging or organizing expert can help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply don’t have the time. Either way, the experts agree that the sooner you get started, the better. “Moving can be a stressful and emotional process, and putting these things off will only make it more difficult later on,” says Schwinger. Plus, says Stephanie Hartwick, a licensed real estate agent in Champaign, “packing will be so much easier once you’ve gotten the purging and organizing out of the way.” STAGE A SHOOT. In a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors, buyers were asked what they value most in an online home listing. The answer? Good photos. (Not surprisingly, “detailed information about the property” and “agent contact information,” ranked high on the list). Simple things like replacing all the light bulbs in the bathroom, fixing the blinds so they’re not crooked, and hiring professionals to do a deep clean—on everything from the toilets to the windows—will make these photos the best they can be," says Andrew Miller of Andrew Miller Photography. The little details are so important,” he says. "Homeowners won’t think something is a big deal, but once they see the photo all they see is the flaw.”

PHOTOS BY ANDREW MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Pro tip: Have a photo taken of your home's exterior in the summer, when everything is lush and green.

Getting ready to put your pad on the market? With the holidays right around the corner, you might want to press the pause button. Here’s why—and what you can do to ensure your place sells fast come spring.

# R E A L E S TAT E

Staging Smarts Photographer Andrew Miller took this shot of a rehabbed apartment located in a vintage 19th century mansion in the South Loop. "The owners had the luxury of hiring a designer—but even when things seem to look flawless on the surface, there's usually more work to be done before we can shoot," he says. To ensure your place stands out in a sea of listings, crib these tips. LOOK BEYOND THE SHOT If you can see other spaces in the background (the kitchen, in this case) make sure they're clean, free of clutter, and—this is key— brightly lit.

ADD TEXTURE It's the trick to preventing that dreaded model-home look. Rather than clearing the coffee tables, stack colorful books neatly in groups of three.

STYLE PILLOWS LIKE A PRO To get that magazineworthy indentation, rock the karate-chop: fluff the pillow, then use your hand to slice through the top.

BORROW FROM OTHER ROOMS Here, avoiding the TV created an empty spot in front of the coffee tables, which Miller filled with a pair of director's chairs from another part of the house. DON'T SHOOT THE TV If possible, position the camera in front of the television looking out into the rest of the space— that's what people want to see, not a big black screen. NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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#DINING

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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#DINING

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES:

Chicago Chefs Share Holiday Recipes BY JULIE CHERNOFF

LEFT AND BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMPERIAL LAMIAN; TOP HOTO BY ELLEN SCHOR

We all have favorite holiday memories, and most of those seem to revolve around food. Not a surprise, right? Food (even your Aunt Dorothy’s overcooked turkey) brings people together; what better way to express your love for someone than to feed them? And along with the hilariously awkward family stories that stem from the holiday table, we cherish the memories of family specialties and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Here, five Chicago chefs share some of their favorite recipes and the stories behind them, giving you an opportunity to create new food memories with your own families. Happy holidays!

Victor Chong Imperial Lamian

Victor Chong, executive chef of Imperial Lamian, comes to Chicago by way of Malaysia, which has a mix of many different cultures—mostly Malay, Chinese and Indian. And though some might consider curry as Indian food, curries are eaten throughout the Far East as well.

“When I was a kid, my father’s restaurant made noodles, and one of their most famous dishes was Curry Chicken Noodle,” shares Chong. “My father left when I was 14, and I can’t really remember the taste of the curry he used to make, but I can remember the smell. Ever since becoming a chef, I have tried to recreate these flavors, and I’ve finally landed on this recipe that makes me think of home.”"

Zoe’s Bread Pudding Serves 6-8

Zoe Schor Split Rail Now firmly ensconced as owner and executive chef at her hip new West Town place, Split Rail, Schor previously spent time in the kitchens of all-star chefs Thomas Keller and Tom Colicchio before moving to Chicago to helm the kitchen at DMK Restaurants’ beloved Ada Street. Her favorite holiday recipe? Bread pudding.

“I love making (and eating) it, and as we’re getting into the cooler season, it's such a great, warming, soul-satisfying dessert,” says Schor.

3 cups whole milk 3 cups heavy cream 12 egg yolks 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract approximately 6 cups of cubed toast or stale bread In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for the bread and whisk thoroughly to ensure they are fully combined. In an oven-safe, 9” baking dish, place cubed bread and cover with the custard, making sure the bread is thoroughly submerged in the custard mixture, and weight it slightly if necessary. Allow to soak for at least one hour (the longer the better). Preheat the oven to 375 F. Bake the bread pudding, uncovered, until the custard is set, and the bread has taken on a toasty, golden color, about 30 minutes. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream or fruit.

Victor’s Malay Curry Chicken Serves 4 - 6 ¼ cup meat curry powder 3 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons turmeric powder 3 ounces cooking oil 3 tablespoons each minced garlic, shallot and ginger 2 tablespoons each finely chopped lemon grass and ginger flower 2 curry leaves 1 tablespoon pureed red finger chili (or to taste) One whole frying chicken, cut up into smaller pieces 1 cup chicken stock Salt and brown sugar to taste In small bowl, combine curry, chili, and turmeric. Set aside. In small sauté pan, heat oil; add sauté garlic, shallot, ginger, ginger flower, lemon grass and curry leaves until light brown. Add in pureed chili and cook for a few minutes to marry flavors. Add curry

mixture and stir until it becomes a paste. Set aside. In a large cooking pot, heat cooking oil. Place all of the cut-up chicken in the pan with the curry paste and stir fry until medium rare. Add chicken stock, stirring to get up all of the crispy bits from the bottom of the pan, and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is fully cooked through. Season to taste with salt and brown sugar. Serve with rice.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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Jeff Mauro Pork & Mindy’s

You probably recognize Jeff Mauro from his popular Food Network shows, “Sandwich King,” “The Kitchen” and “$24 in 24,” but he also owns the super fun and tasty Pork & Mindy’s sandwich shops (porkandmindys.com) in Chicago.

As the Executive Pastry Chef at two of iconic Chicago restaurateur Billy Lawless’ Michigan Avenue hot spots, The Gage and Acanto, Kym DeLost firmly believes that pastry should be fun—not fussy— and shared with those you love.

“The holidays are very special to me as it’s the one time of year my entire family sees each other,” DeLost tells us. “Year after year, we devour this fudgy chocolate pecan pie.” Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Pie Make one 9” pie Crust: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon kosher salt 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into ½” pieces and chilled, not frozen 3 tablespoons ice water 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, chilled Filling: 1 ½ cups pecan halves 2 teaspoons canola oil 6 tablespoons browned butter 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped ¾ cup light corn syrup 4 large whole eggs ½ cup packed dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons bourbon ½ teaspoon salt

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

For crust: In a food processor, pulse together flour and salt, then add butter and pulse until coarse and sandy. The butter pieces should be pea size or smaller. Pulse in ice water and vinegar until combined. Turn out onto floured board and bring together by hand quickly, shaping into a disc. Wrap in plastic and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375F. On a lightly floured surface, after removing plastic wrap, roll out dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer crust to a 9-inch pie plate or tin. Fold over any excess dough and crimp edges. Prick crust all over with a fork. Chill crust for 30 minutes. When dough is chilled, line with parchment paper or foil and fill with sugar. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove liner and bake until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. (Roasted sugar can be saved for another use.)Reduce oven temperature to 350F. For filling: Coat pecans lightly with oil and a pinch of salt. Spread onto lined sheet pan and toast until fragrant, about 15 minutes. Cool and evenly spread into baked shell. In Pyrex cup, heat butter and chocolate in microwave at 30 second intervals until melted. In a separate bowl, stir together remaining ingredients with chocolate and pour into prepared pie shell, arranging pecans over top. Bake pie on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes, then remove from oven and cool for 2 hours.

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“My Grandma Kay’s famous Sausage Bread is a giant, doughy, log-shaped pork bomb, freshly baked and served before dinner at all Mauro family parties,” he shares. “No one can quite replicate it, but many have tried.” Grandma Kay’s Sausage Bread Makes two 12” loaves 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little extra for brushing) 1 pound sweet Italian sausages removed from casing 4 ounces pepperoni, cut into squares 4 ounces Genoa salami, thinly sliced and cut into squares 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese 1 1/2 loaves frozen or fresh pizza dough, defrosted, such as Rhodes Preheat the oven to 340F. Add the olive oil to a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook the sausage until brown (about 12 to 15 minutes). Cool the sausage, transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon and combine with the pepperoni and salami. Mix in the mozzarella. Roll out the dough into two long ovals. Slice the end pieces off the dough to save for later. Brush the top and bottom of the dough with olive oil, and divide the sausage mixture between the two loaves. Fold the dough over like a calzone and poke holes along the sides with a fork to release the steam as it bakes. Bake until light brown on top (about 20 to 25 minutes); remove from oven and cool slightly. Slice and serve.

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP; RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOD NETWORK GROUP

Kym DeLost The Gage and Acanto

Christine Cikowski

Honey Butter Fried Chicken and Sunday Dinner Club Along with her business partner, Josh Kulp, Christine Cikowski is responsible for two of Chicago’s culinary sensations: Sunday Dinner Club and Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Here, she—and her mother— share a family recipe for Hoska, a yeasted Czech sweet bread.

“The generations have tweaked the recipe since my dad's mom brought it with her from Czechoslovakia just before the turn of last century,” says Cikowski’s mom Kathy Bongratz.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HONEY BUTTER FRIED CHICKEN

Hoska Recipe Makes 2 loaves 1 packet fast-acting yeast 2 tablespoons tepid water 1 cup whole milk 1 cup sugar ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (or use both!) 3 eggs ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg 4 to 5 cups bread flour ½ cup raisins egg wash Scald milk in a saucepan, remove from heat, whisk in the butter and cool mixture to room temperature. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and a sprinkle of flour in the water, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Place the milk mixture, sugar, zest, salt and nutmeg in a kitchen mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on medium high. Turn mixer down to low,

and add the flour 1 cup at a time until just incorporated. Use as much flour as needed to form the dough into a ball, which will be slightly sticky and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead for at least 10 minutes. (You can also do this in the mixer with a dough hook.) Dough should be a bit elastic and not too sticky. Place dough in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and put in warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours. Punch the dough down, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead in the raisins. Divide the dough into 2 equal balls, and cover with a kitchen towel. Take 1 piece and divide it into thirds. Roll each third into a long identical strand then braid the thirds together, tucking the ends under the loaf. Place the braided loaf on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and place in warm spot to double in size. Repeat with the remaining dough ball. Preheat oven to 420 degrees F, and place a roasting pan on bottom rack. Add a few cups of water to that pan. Remove plastic wrap from braided loaves and brush the loaves with egg wash. Place the loaves on a sheet pan and bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then turn down temperature to 350 degrees F and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the loaves are golden-brown. (The internal temperature of a finished loaf will read between 180-190 degrees on a digital thermometer.) Place the bread on wire rack to cool completely.

DANCE HARRIS AT THE

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Program A

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# E N T E R TA I N I N G

THE ART OF THE

KIDS TABLE BY HOPE NICHOLS

For most wee ones, the thought of spending a holiday meal perched in tiny chairs among tiny peers, no grownups in sight, is kiddie nirvana. To ensure their special seating arrangement keeps them happy, occupied, and— for the love of turkey—out of your hair, just follow our lead.

MOCKTAIL Better Than a Shirley Temple 2 cups POM juice 1 1/3 cups agave nectar 2 oz. pomegranate molasses Citrus soda or sparkling water

DÉCOR: Balloons This one’s so easy, says Katie Jayne Sprenkle, founder of Jayne Weddings, with offices in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California: “Simply tie a brightly hued helium balloon to the back of each chair with colorful ribbon. Don’t tie it too tightly, though—they’ll each want to bring one home.”

ACTIVITY: Coloring “Cover your table with butcher block paper, then attach a row of small galvanized buckets down the center, runner-style, with strong double-stick tape,” says Katherine Healy Brown, owner of Clover Events in Chicago. “Fill the buckets with crayons, stickers, Play-Doh, and little cookie cutters, and voilà— a table that doubles as an art center."

ICE-BREAKER: Musical chairs Sprenkle suggests this twist on the classic preschool game: “Before everyone sits down, play a fun song—anything from "Trolls" or "Moana" will be a hit with this crowd—and stop the music at a random spot,” she says. The first one in his or her seat gets a prize: a special crown to wear for the remainder of the meal.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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Heat POM, agave syrup and pomegranate molasses in a saucepan over low heat. Stir to dissolve all and reduce to a syruplike texture. Add a splash to anything carbonated: citrus soda, club soda, their favorite flavor of La Croix— The sky’s the limit. Garnish with Swedish Fish skewers or Haribo Cola gummies, or freeze gummy bears into ice cubes. Courtesy of Belinda Chang, Chicago’s only James Beard Award-winning Wine Director.

TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF HARLOWE AND THISTLE

FOR THE LITTLES ages 2-5

Close your eyes and picture your family around the Thanksgiving table. Got it? Good. Now—this will be hard, but stay with us—imagine what it would feel like to have an adult conversation, enjoy a slice of pie, and take a few long, well-deserved sips of wine, all without your kids flinging mashed potatoes at each other in a battle for the iPad. Sound too good to be true? Heed the advice of our hero experts, and your next holiday meal has the potential to be all that and more—without (and here’s the kicker) even a lick of mom guilt. Here, everything you need to know about creating the perfect kid’s table, no matter the age of your guests.

FOR THE BIGS ages 10+ FOR THE MIDDLES ages 6-9

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

MOCKTAIL Celebration Punch

DÉCOR: Pattern Play At this age, more is more, says Sprenkle. Choose a simple color palette that includes a few different shades (the bolder the better—think orange, hot pink, and chartreuse), then pick a few patterns that work those hues. “Layer a zig-zag tablecloth with polka-dot napkins, or pair a bright floral print with stripes— you can’t mess it up,” she says.

ACTIVITY: Picture Frame Decorating “Kids this age love taking their work home, so an easy art project is a great idea,” says Kertzner. Enter the wooden picture frame, available at craft stores for less than a couple bucks a pop. Simply set a frame at each place setting, then put out markers, glitter glue, and a bowl of jewels and sequins. At the end of the night, they can take their (now dry) frame home and put their favorite photo inside.

ICE-BREAKER: Heads UP! “Kids in this age group can really get their sillies out with this game—it’s the best for parties,” says Seri Kertzner, co-founder of Little Miss Party Planner in New York. Here’s how it works: Download the app at the iTunes or Google Play store (Heads Up! is for readers, while Heads Up! Kids replaces the words with pictures), then split the crowd into teams of two (give the oldest the responsibility of manning the phone). The game is simple: One player on each team tries to guess the word on the screen while their teammates provide clues, and every time a word is guessed correctly, that team scores a point. As for what the winners take home? That’s up to you.

DÉCOR: All Grown Up Kertzner suggests paying attention to every detail when setting the big kids’ table for family events. “They are always pretty taken by it,” she says. “I love when they take photos of a family meal and post on their social accounts.” Sprenkle added that it’s better to decorate the tweens’ and teens’ table the same as the adults' table—sure, they’re sitting at the kids’ table, but the last thing a tween or teen wants is to feel babied.

1/4 cup mashed blueberries 2 oz. pineapple juice 2 oz. passion fruit juice 6 oz. strawberry lemonade 4 oz. lemon La Croix Fill tumblers halfway with ice and put a spoonful of mashed berries on top. Mix the juices and lemonade and pour over the berries. Top with La Croix. Garnish with an orange slice and two maraschino cherries on a cocktail toothpick, and add a mini drink umbrella because obviously! Courtesy of Annabelle W., Chicago kid and crowdpleasing mocktail master at large.

MOCKTAIL Small-Batch Basil Smash

ACTIVITY: Casino Night After the initial Instagram photos have been shot and friends have been tagged, collect everyone’s phones and encourage them to kick it old school with a game of cards. UNO, Gin Rummy, or even Go Fish are crowd pleasers, says Sprenkle, especially if you pair them with a bowl of pennies or tokens that can be exchanged for prizes like movie tickets and iTunes gift cards. Phone? What phone?

ICE-BREAKER: Q&A The key with this group: Get them talking right off the bat. Sprenkle suggests making a list of fun questions that they can pass around the table and take turns answering. “It can be anything from their favorite emoji, food, or movie to the best trip they’ve ever taken," she says. To take it to the next level, devise a game of “Would You Rather,” too: coffee or tea, beach or mountains, band or gym—you get the idea.

2 basil leaves 2 blood orange slices 2 lime slices 1.5 oz. brown sugar simple syrup (boil equal parts brown sugar and water) 1 oz. Jack Rudy small-batch tonic Muddle the leaves and slices, add the rest, shake with ice, and pour in a glass. Top off with lime seltzer or Sprite, and garnish with basil leaf and lime slice. Courtesy of Sunnie Schwartz, assistant manager at 7Monks Taproom in Boyne City, Michigan

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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# E N T E R TA I N I N G

PUNCH DRUNK! BY JULIE CHERNOFF

They’re baaack. Big-bowl batches of the good stuff have made a resurgence just in time for the holidays, promising to give your mother’s sherbet fizz a serious run for its money. Sorry, Ma. It’s Entertaining 101: Be ready for the onslaught of guests and good cheer by prepping in advance as much as humanly possible. Dig out that punchbowl you got as a wedding gift, mix up a big batch—using only primo ingredients, beginning with the freshest fruits, spices, teas, and juices—and keep reinforcements cold in the fridge or hot on the stove as appropriate. You’ll get extra points for inventive “punchbergs” (large-form molded ice rings), antique punch ladles and creative glassware, because holiday punch is all about the “Wow!” factor. We talked to some of the biggest names in Chicago mixology to bring you their go-to punch recipes and stories. Here are four can’t-miss options for a very happy holiday season.

3 of the Coziest Bars in Chicago Prefer to sip outside your home? Head to one of these hot spots. > PUNCH HOUSE (1227 W. 18th St., punchhousechicago.com) This dark and comfy Pilsen bar is hiding out below Thalia Hall and Dusek’s, and as the name indicates, punch is on the menu in a big way— literally and figuratively. There are nine classic and contemporary punches available by the glass ($10), carafe ($36) and punchbowl ($66). For celebratory parties and dinners, there’s even Tableside Champagne Punch service ($225, serves 6)!

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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> THE GREEN MILL (4802 N. Broadway, greenmilljazz.com) As you’d expect of a place frequented by Al Capone, there’s a real sense of classic speakeasy at this Uptown spot, from the art deco touches and dark wood to the comfortable booths. Live music every night, generally jazz, provides the backdrop, and there’s a reason it’s been around since the Prohibition Era—although the weekly Poetry Slams are decidedly modern.

> TABLE DONKEY & STICK (2728 W. Armitage Ave., tabledonkeystick.com) When a restaurant is patterned after a Tyrolean Inn and its website tagline is “Crusty Bread, Brandy, Fire,” you know you’ve come to the right place. Craft beer and ciders vie with cocktails like the Equinox ($12, made with Old Forester bourbon, CH amaro, anchor eyes and cherry bark and vanilla bitters) that warm you from the inside out. Toss in a roaring fire, and there’s really no reason to leave.

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

Miss Van’s Virtue

Courtesy of Freddie Sarkis, The Gwen Sarkis is a fixture of the Chicago cocktail scene, having opened Sable Kitchen & Bar, developed Celeste’s cocktail program and helped launch Chicago’s Broken Shaker. He’s a big fan of a sparkling punch. “Bubbles are always a great way to celebrate anything!” says Sarkis. This particular punch pays homage to Miss Van, an internationally renowned street artist. It pairs well with food, but easily stands on its own. It’s like a fizzy and smoky apple margarita, and that’s a very good thing. Makes 6-8 servings 4 ounces Cazadores Tequila Blanco 2 ounces Mezcal Vida 2 ounces St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur 6 ounces each fresh apple juice and agave syrup 7 ounces lime juice 5 dashes each orange and lavender bitters 1 bottle of prosecco Garnish: apple slices Build (add each ingredient in order) in punch bowl or champagne bucket over ice, omitting prosecco, and then stir. Pour in the entire bottle of prosecco, leaving the bottle upside-down in the bowl for maximum effect. Garnish with apple slices.

Warming Holiday Punch Courtesy of Amit Gilad, GreenRiver

“The holidays embody feelings of warmth, comfort and home,” says Gilad. “This spiced punch is a liquid interpretation of those characteristics." Makes 10 servings. 2 cinnamon sticks ½ teaspoon whole cloves ½ teaspoon allspice berries peeled zest of 1 orange 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced ½ cup sugar 15 ounces Calvados 5 ounces Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur 2 ounces Nocino della Cristina Walnut Liqueur 2 quarts + 1 cup hot, freshly brewed tea (try Earl Grey or chamomile) Garnish: orange peel, apple slices and cinnamon sticks In a medium pot, combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries and orange peel and lightly toast for two to three minutes. Add the apples and sugar and stir for one more minute. Combine the Calvados, Domain de Canton and Nocino and pour into the pot. This will create a flambé, and the apples will start to caramelize. After a minute or so of flambé action, add the hot tea and stir for one minute. Transfer the punch into a heat-resistant punch bowl and garnish with orange peel, apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Askeline’s Secret

Courtesy of Benjamin Schiller, The Sixth

“Punches give your guests a common conversation topic,” says Schiller, who named this hot holiday tipple for his greatgrandmother Askeline. “They provide a natural gathering place and allow the host to display a bit of creativity.” Makes 1 quart, can be scaled up 10 ounces Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula Cognac 10 ounces Cruzan Black Strap Rum 5 ounces Emilio Lustau Oloroso Dry Sherry 2 ½ ounces Nux Alpina Walnut Liqueur 2 ½ ounces demerara syrup (made with equal parts demerara sugar and water) 2 ½ ounces fresh lemon juice 5 dashes each orange and angostura bitters Garnish: orange slices, toasted cinnamon and whole star anise Combine all ingredients, then pour into a large bowl with a single large ice centerpiece (the “punchberg!”) and garnish with fresh orange slices, toasted cinnamon and star anise. For extra credit on the punchberg, freeze any of the garnishes inside.

Raspberry Brandy Milk Punch Courtesy of Jan Henrichsen, Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar “This punch is a spin on a Victorian milk punch, but I pulled the inspiration from several sources,” says Henrichsen, “It’s a mash-up, and a very American and Chicagoan take on very old traditions.” Makes many small servings. 3 lemons ½ gallon whole milk (NOT ultra-pasteurized, or it won’t work!) 2 cups sugar 2 cups fresh raspberries, bruised 2 tablespoons grated chocolate 2 cracked cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick 4 bottles St. George Raspberry Brandy Zest the lemons, then trim and discard the pith. Working over a small bowl to catch the juice, cut the lemon segments away from the membrane surrounding them and reserve with juice and zest. In a large-mouth container, combine all ingredients and let sit—and curdle—in a cool, dark place, stirring once a day. After day five, strain out all the larger pieces, then strain the resulting liquid, twice, through cheesecloth, letting gravity do the work. Let sit once more overnight, then pour off and save the clear red liquid. Serve chilled, in tiny glasses, and garnish with an orange slice. Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/DRINK NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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Come discover the new Navy Pier Navy Pier is the People’s Pier. Now moving into its second century as a mission-driven nonprofit, we’re transforming the Pier’s programming to reflect the diversity of the city itself, offering dynamic experiences for all to enjoy. Navy Pier serves more than 9 million guests annually with free programming, including a series of art, wellness and cultural programs. It’s your Pier, Chicago. Come see it in a new light. www.navypier.org S P EC IA L THA NKS TO OUR PA RT N ERS :

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CONVERSATIONS WITH WEIGEL A series exploring spiritual enlightenment hosted by Emmy award-winning journalist Jenniffer Weigel.

2017 AUTHOR SERIES AT THE WILMETTE THEATRE

The Bodine Family GET A JUMP ON HALLOWEEN WITH THE WORLDS MOST PSYCHIC FAMILY Sunday October 29 2017 2:00 PM

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We now serve weekend Dim Sum Brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am–3pm

2015 | 2016

# F A M I LY

CHRISTMAS TREE! B Y H E AT H E R B L A C K M O R E

This isn’t some random tree Bill decided to adorn with lights. An electrical source doesn’t just “pop up” in the middle of the Wisconsin woods. Everything about it was intentional, as most things are with O’Donnell. He wanted to create memories with his family and to do so would require Christmas trees. Lots of them. And a willingness to trench electricity to that lonely little tree in the distance. Most folks, when they buy property on which to build, consider things like square footage and kitchen layouts. Not Bill. He envisioned cutting a Christmas tree with his wife, Amy, and their four kids every holiday season, and that’s exactly what they’ve done. For 16 years, the O’Donnells have cut their own Christmas trees, and Bill wouldn’t have it any other way. “You gotta have foresight,” says Bill. Even before the foundation was dug, Christmas trees went in and he’s planted more every year since. “If I waited five years to plant, that’s five years of growth. I didn’t want to miss out on that.” Pencil-size Frasier fir saplings, no taller than a foot, have been planted throughout his property since 2001. According to Bill, planting everything at once would have yielded a crop of firs at approximately the same height in eight years. The staggered planting schedule allows for a tree ripe for cutting every year. Now that he’s successfully established plenty of conifers, 58

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

Bill’s been able to slow the planting. He admits he fudged a little that first year, planting fourfoot-tall trees so the family would have some ripe for cutting in the near future. “It’s such a fun day,” says Bill. “We load up the tractor and the hay wagon and begin our search.” Prior to the outing on Thanksgiving weekend, Bill scouts the field to find the perfect specimen. Although the kids wander about searching, Bill manages to steer them all to the tree he’s deemed ready for cutting and all take a few pulls on the saw. It’s all done by hand — no power tools. And before long, the family yells in unison, “Timber!” Fastened to the top of their car, the tree is brought to their home in Illinois. They waste little time putting it on display. For Bill, putting it up only to take it down two weeks later defeats the purpose of having a real tree. Fire hazards, while always a concern, are less an issue with a fresh-cut tree as they take longer to dry out then a commercial tree that was cut and kept in cold storage months before the holidays. “Keep it in water if you’re not going to bring it inside right away,” advises Bill. “Then give it a fresh cut if it dries out and keep watering it. It’ll really suck up the water.” Even on a residential lot, Bill says growing a Christmas tree or two is entirely possible. Many of the O’Donnell’s friends, after having accompanied the family on one of their treecutting expeditions, are fresh-cut Christmas tree converts. “What’s so fun about going to a big-box store to pick up a pre-wrapped tree?” asks Bill. “Treat your kids to the experience of hunting for a tree. It’s a completely different experience they will always remember."

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL O'DONNELL

On a barren snow-covered field in the remote woods of southwest Wisconsin stands a tiny fir tree, only about four feet tall, bedazzled with shimmering Christmas lights that cast a multi-colored, halo-like glow through winter’s darkest nights. For Bill O’Donnell, it’s a beacon and something he ponders through his bedroom window when a cold wind wakes him.

# T R AV E L

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2016 7

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# F A M I LY

TRADITION, TRADITION B Y C A R A S U L L I VA N

The way you and yours spend the holidays are the moments that define you as a family. And while some customs are passed down for generations, others are borrowed by friends, neighbors, and even strangers. To see how Chicago celebrates— and, perhaps, inspire new ways to toast the season in your own homes—we asked our powerful nonprofit partners, community leaders, and, of course, our MIB family, to share some of the ways they experience this magical time of year.

Jennifer Green

Artistic Director, Piven Theater

Anthony Freud

General Director, President and CEO, Lyric Opera Having moved from the UK to the U.S. 11 years ago, my husband Colin and I are very settled and at home here, and there are not too many British traditions that we feel nostalgic about. However, over Christmas we always listen to two radio broadcasts that, happily, we can now stream online from BBC Radio 4. One is the Ceremony of Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast live from King’s College Cambridge. The other is The Queen’s Christmas message to the Commonwealth. With the time difference, both are at 9 a.m., on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, respectively. For us, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without them.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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Piven Theatre Workshop, a multigenerational community arts organization where I am Artistic Director, chooses a theme each year around which to base all our work. This year's theme is "Home": a very special theme for us personally as we expanded our family through adoption two years ago. As we transition our family to include a boy born in China, we now transition our Christmas tree into a Lunar New Year tree to celebrate Teddy's cultural heritage and identity. Every year we find new ornaments honoring the year's animal: monkey, rooster and this year, our third year together, dog.

# F A M I LY

Michelle Morris Publisher, Make It Better

On the day after Thanksgiving, my kids wake up to matching flannel pajamas next to their beds. We’ve been doing it for 18 years now, and the themes are always different. When they were little, it was all Christmas trees and snowflakes and zoo animals, but as they got older we got into themes: New Trier for their first year of high school, Nantucket whales to commemorate our awesome summer vacations, Blackhawks for the year we won the cup, and Cubs last year for the series. Every year, we bundle up in our new PJs, pile into the car, and go get our tree while drinking hot cocoa and listing to Christmas music. It’s the best!

Fr. Scott Donahue

President and CEO of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

Mark Schmeltzer Director of Communications at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

Every year, our kids take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage and get their picture taken with Santa Claus at our town’s Christmas festival. They also love taking the “Polar Express” train on the Rock Island Metra and going to the Museum of Science and Industry to see the trees in the “Christmas Around the World” exhibit. On Christmas Eve, we watch our oldest perform in the children’s Christmas pageant at Mass— he’s usually a shepherd. Then we give both of our boys a new set of winter pajamas, put them to bed, and wait for St. Nick!

When I was a boy, Christmas always meant going to church as a family and having a meal together, and then we’d open presents. As a kid, my favorite memory was the year we all received different play animals to sit on. Today, my favorite traditions are the ones we share with our Mercy Home family. I especially love gathering at Mercy Home during the Christmas season with all of our young people, coworkers, board members and invited guests for the annual lighting of our Christmas tree, which we have been doing for 25 years. Most of those years we have been fortunate to welcome a visit from Mayor Daley or Mayor Emanuel. The best thing about this tradition is when our young people read aloud from a special “Book of Service” in which they describe the community service projects that they have been involved in throughout the year to enhance our city and the lives of the poor. They make sandwiches for the homeless, visit the elderly, send cards to our service men and women overseas, hold clothing and food drives, and much, much more. Afterward, they present the Book of Service to the Mayor or a representative of the city as Mercy Home’s Christmas gift to the people of Chicago.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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# F A M I LY

Susan B. Noyes

Founder, Make It Better Hands down, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's just about cooking and being with the ones I love best. Every family member and guest at our Thanksgiving table has to contribute something they love and made themselves, which allows me to spend lots of one on one time in the kitchen with my kids.

Reverend William A. Evertsberg Senior Pastor, Kenilworth Union Church

I’m a preacher, so Christmas Eve is a fraught and hectic day—Kenilworth Union Church has five services, the first at 11:00 a.m. and the last at 11:00 p.m. When my kids were little, they complained that they never saw their father on the day that is renowned for being all about family and home. So on the year of my daughter’s fifth Christmas, I made a deal with her and her older brother that when I got home after the last service, I would stay up with them to watch Home Alone. Sometimes we watch the Chicago Home Alone, and sometimes we watch the New York Home Alone, and sometimes we even watch Love, Actually, but it’s always a contemporary classic Christmas movie. My kids are 29 and 25 now, and the tradition has never once been forsaken.

Dolores Kohl

President and CEO, Dolores Kohl Education Foundation

Our holiday times are family times—times that we pray together at synagogue and later celebrate at festive feasts lighting candles, reciting blessings on the wine and challah bread, reading passages, singing, storytelling, savoring traditional foods and going around the table so each of us can share what we are thankful for. The children love singing traditional songs, accompanied by Papa's guitar; decorating the holiday table and performing rituals like dipping apples in honey to celebrate a sweet year; winning a prize for finding matzah at Passover; or lighting candles for eight days during Hanukkah. And whether it is eating challah bread on the Sabbath, potato latkes for Hanukkah and matzah for Passover, our children have grown to realize the importance of special foods for each holiday. Recipes for Jewish holiday food have been handed down from generation to generation and I make the same gefilte fish, blintzes, chicken soup with matzah balls and honey cake that my grandmother and mother made. Our rituals and traditions remind the children that they are part of a long, Jewish history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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# F A M I LY

Sharon Krone

Secretary/Treasurer and Executive Director, Make It Better Foundation I married into a Danish family with lots of holiday traditions. Every Christmas Eve we have a beautiful feast with roasted goose, cabbage, poached apples, carmelized potatoes, and rice pudding— complete with a prize to the diner whose dollop includes the whole almond hidden in the bowl. We also set aside an afternoon at my in-laws' home during Advent to trace delicate angels on vellum paper, fold three dimensional Danish stars out of thin strips of red, white or silver paper, and of course, enjoy plenty of warm aebleskiver with powdered sugar and lingonberry preserves!

Julie Chernoff

Dining Editor, Make It Better Every December, my family hosts our annual Latkefest, complete with 30 pounds of brisket (I’m from the chili sauce shtetl), 15 pounds of ”brisketized" turkey breast, four big kugels, 300 potato latkes and much more. It is cholesterol and carb insanity; I recommend our friends wear stretch pants, it’s only prudent. I used to make the latkes myself for many years, but sanity prevailed about 10 years ago and now I leave that task to Trader Joe’s freezer case. The key is to get them extra-crispy on the outside, plus lots of sour cream and apple sauce. Yum!

Reverend Monsignor Kenneth Velo

Senior Executive of Catholic Collaboration, DePaul University; President, Big Shoulders Fund

As a Catholic priest, Christmas is a time to gather as family and be grateful for what we have. After celebrating mass at Old St. Patrick’s Church, I go home to offer mass on Christmas Eve to about 30 family members, including my 99-and-ahalf-year-old mother!

Brooke McDonald

Editor in Chief, Make It Better My family loves to travel, and we always make sure to pick up an ornament as a souvenir. We put up two Christmas trees every year and one of them is the "travel tree." We love to unpack the ornaments and reminisce about our trips, from pre-kid European adventures to countless Disney vacations with our two young sons.

Kim Hoopingarner Director of Advancement, Northlight Theatre

Many years ago when our two oldest daughters were little (before our twins were born), my husband Kirk and and I came downstairs all dressed up in formal wear on Christmas Eve. The girls both got upset thinking we were going out without them, and we explained we had this very special thing to go to—Christmas Eve dinner, with them! We’ve done it ever since—Kirk in the same tux (which is much tighter now), and various boyfriends of our four daughters have been required to play along. It's the black tie event of the year.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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#GIFTGUIDE

the

BETTER

gift guide B Y C A R A S U L L I VA N

We love nothing more than gifts that give back, and we know you do, too. So this year, our list is a little bit different. The presents on these pages promise to elicit "oohs" and "ahhs" from your loved ones, not only because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re awesome (and they areâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just wait!) but because their purchase makes a major social impact, paying it forward in a very real way. If you ask us, the holidays just got a whole lot happier.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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#GIFTGUIDE

is for bling

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but who says she has to have just one? We introduce seven sparkling candidates for her crystalline crew.

1. Earrings

Big, brassy baubles handcrafted right here in Chicago by metalsmith Theresa Cowan. Mineralogy brass circle and arc earrings, $68, mineralogydesign.com EVEN BETTER: A portion of everything Mineralogy sells is donated to worthy causes including Mayan Families and Illinois Horse rescue.

2. Clutch

Two of the top trends for fall—va-va-voom velvet and sparkling stone—in one cool carry-all. Kayu Margaux clutch, $245, shop.kayudesign.com EVEN BETTER: Each bag is handcrafted by stay-at-home moms in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, allowing them the opportunity to make living wages without ever leaving their babes.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

3. Wine

Your grapeful recipients won’t know what they love more: the brilliant bottle, or the crisp, dry bubbly inside. One Hope Glitter Edition Brut Sparkling Wine, $59, onehopewine.com EVEN BETTER: For each bottle sold, a whopping 15 (!) hungry children receive a meal.

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4. Bracelet

Delicate enough to stack with other bracelets—yet striking enough to shine on its own. David Yurman black onyx barrels bracelet in 18K gold, $2150, Razny Jewelers, 1700 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park EVEN BETTER: There’s no better feeling than that of supporting a local, family-owned business—especially one that’s been around for 51 years and counting.

7 5. Ring

Six interlocking diamond bands in one single, modern ring. Sidney Garber 18K white gold and diamond scribble ring. $9,000, Neopolitan, 560 Chestnut Street, Winnetka EVEN BETTER: Sidney Garber Jewelers donates 100% of all profits to organizations dedicated to children’s mental health, education, the arts, human rights, and the environment.

6. Nail Polish

7. Sneakers

EVEN BETTER: Resist the urge to buy online, and head to Chicago beauty boutique Space519—located right downtown— instead.

EVEN BETTER: Chalk donates both its time and style to many community events—including The Women’s Library Club of Glencoe’s annual fashion show.

Chip-free lacquer that's chic and formaldehyde-free. JINsoon nail polish Tout Ensemble Collection, $56, Space519, 900 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago

Metallic by way of silk. On your feet. This is real life, people! Pedro Garcia metallic sneakers in Truffle, $460, Chalk Boutique, 337 Park Ave, Glencoe

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

#GIFTGUIDE

is for entertaining The hostess who has everything is a tough bird to shop for, but these festive selections will feather any nest on your list.

3 2

5 1. Coffee Maker

The true coffee aficionado deserves this statement brewer, a pour-over so pretty, it doubles as art. Manual Coffee Maker No. 2, $120, manual.is EVEN BETTER: Chicago Designer Craighton Berman launched his original coffeemaker on Kickstarter in 2014— and raised a whopping $100,000 in just 30 days.

2. Chocolate

Like a chic, grown-up piñata, this giant slab of sweetness comes with a wooden mallet for hacking away at it. Vosges Haute Chocolate Soirée Smash $50, vosgeschocolate.com EVEN BETTER: Every bit of chocolatey goodness is made at an organic manufacturing facility in Chicago that operates on 100% renewable energy.

6 2. Champagne

Veuve plus voicemail? YES. This bottle of bubbly (rosé, because obviously) comes with a recordable box. Veuve Clicquot CLIQ’CALL, $129, Pantheon Wine Shoppe, 899 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook EVEN BETTER: We heart Veuve for many reasons: unparalleled taste, sustainable viticulture, and a commitment to reduced chemicals and herbicides.

4. Olive Oil Club

5. Chess Set

A conversation pièce de résistance for the design-minded art lover. Man Ray Early Wood Chess Set, $620 (15 percent off for CFA members), shop.architecture.org

Three gourmet goodies—an olive oil, a vinegar, and a surprise—delivered to the door of your choice four times a year. Global Gardens Classic 4x/year seasonal culinary club, $249, globalgardensonline.com EVEN BETTER: Enter "MAKEITBETTER" at checkout to receive a complimentary club shipment (a $78 value) when you join for one year.

EVEN BETTER: Purchases from the Chicago Architectural Foundation’s shop support their educational mission “to inspire people to discover how design matters.”

6. Print

7. Coasters

The MCA’s Murakami exhibit was the talk of the summer—and this limited edition of 300, artist-signed print is wowing us this winter. Murakami A Picture of the Blessed Lion print, $5,895 (10 percent off for MCA members), MCAchicagostore.org.

Gilded Brazilian agate coasters so beautiful, it seems almost criminal to cover them with a cocktail. Material Possessions agate eggplant geode coasters, $80/4, Material Possessions, 954 Greenbay Road, Winnetka

EVEN BETTER: All proceeds from the MCA shop support the exhibitions of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, one of our city’s greatest treasures.

EVEN BETTER: Founded in Winnetka in 1977, Material Possessions is celebrating 40+ years of brilliant local business.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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#GIFTGUIDE

is for technology "Hey Alexa, what should I give my techophile friends this year?" Alexa: "I'm not quite sure how to help you with that. Ask Make It Better."

7 6 5

1. Headphones Tricked out with Bluetooth 4.1 and a folding headband, they're the ultimate in onthe-go headphones. LSTN Sound Co. Zebrawood Fillmore Wireless Headphones, $125, lstnsound.com

EVEN BETTER: A portion of the proceeds funds hearing aids for people in need worldwide through the Starkey Hearing Foundation. 68

2. Health Tracker

Some trackers focus on weight loss; this one monitors sleep, menstrual cycles, and activity and stress levels, too. Bellabeat Leaf Urban in silver, $139, bellabeat.com EVEN BETTER: Beyond looking out for your body, Leaf offers guided breathing exercises and meditation to help optimize your wellbeing when stress levels are high.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

3. Keyboard

Complete with red-lacquered initials and a love poem engraved on the back, it's designed to make your sweetheart swoon with every stroke. Orée, Romance Board, $199, oree.com EVEN BETTER: These boards are made in small batches from maple and walnut trees from family-owned forests in Eastern France.

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4. Postcards

The photos on each of these 10 recycledpaper cards were taken by kids who were given a camera as a way to cope with a traumatic experience. 100Cameras postcard greeting pack, $27, 100cameras.org EVEN BETTER: Each purchase supports 100Cameras, which benefits both children who’ve been through trauma and the communities they live in.

5. Drone

The GoPro camera is cool—but the GoPro drone blows it out of the water. (Hint: Register your new toy at registermyuas.faa. gov). GoPro Karma with Hero Six Drone, $1199, Abt, abt.com EVEN BETTER: In a world of big box electronic stores, Chicago’s very own Abt has thrived as an independent retailer since 1936.

6. Record Player

This Chicago-based start-up has perfected the art of the all-inone turntable—with serious cool factor to boot. Gramovox vertical turntable, $550, gramovox.com EVEN BETTER: Local businesses like this one share a larger portion of their revenue with the community, enriching the neighborhoods you live in.

7. Stroller

Meet the smart stroller, complete with pathway lights, tail lights, a cellphone charger, rear wheel generators, and an LCD dashboard. 4Moms Moxi Stroller, $699, Galt Baby, Old Orchard Skokie EVEN BETTER: 4Moms donates their products to families in need, as well as maternity wards and NICUs at hospitals around the country.

#GIFTGUIDE

is for toys

While making this list, we had our littles check it twice. The general consensus? These goodies are nice.

3 6

4 1. Blanket

Three words: Cutest. Blanket. Ever. Everything Happy Snap the Turtle Happy Blankie Mini, $34 (plus $10 for customization), everythinghappy.com EVEN BETTER: If you buy a blanket, you get to donate one, too—and where it goes is up to you; just click on a featured charity and voilà.

2. Craft Box

The only thing better than getting a letter in the mail? Getting a box filled to the brim with new art supplies in the mail! Cratejoy Little Loving Hands subscription, $25/ month, cratejoy.com EVEN BETTER: Once your child completes the craft, they can proudly send it off (in a pre-paid envelope) to the recipient of the month—think hospital, nursing home, military base, etc.

3. Bear

4. Blocks

5. Bike

EVEN BETTER: For every doll purchased, 10 meals are donated to hungry kids in North America and around the world.

EVEN BETTER: Each box includes a deck of cards depicting different types of families, encouraging conversation, understanding, and acceptance.

EVEN BETTER: Not only is it super cute and made in Chicago, but this terrific two-wheeler is made from recycled milk jugs.

There are stuffed bears, and then there’s sweet Ivy: Born on March 12, she "stands up to bullies with a roar." Cuddle and Kind’s Ivy the Bear, from $48, cuddleandkind.com

An awesome mixand-match block set that's as inclusive as they come. My Family Builders 32-Piece Set, $50, myfamilybuilders.com

This balance bike's bright color and slick design will turn your toddler's pals green with envy. Heritage Bicycles Bennet Balance Bike in Leaf Green, $270, heritagebicycles.com

6. Skateboard

At 27 inches long and 9 inches wide, with custom griptape, stainless steel hardware, and CarverRoundhouse 65mm 81A wheels, this thing is legit. Bureo AhiPerformance Cruiser Skateboard, $195, bureo.co EVEN BETTER: Each skateboard is made from more than 30 square feet of harmful plastic fishnets, preventing them from entering the ocean.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

7. Pool Float

Swan float? So last year. But this winged stallion—the Pegasus float—is just what the pool gods ordered. Funboy Pool Pegasus, $99, funboy.com EVEN BETTER: Each pool toy purchase provides a person in need with an entire year of clean, safe drinking water.

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#GIFTGUIDE

is for experiences

If there’s a greater gift than a brand-new adventure, we don’t know what it is. Whether you treat yourself, your partner, or the whole family, each of these trips holds the promise of an unforgettable time. B Y W E N DY A LT S C H U L E R

1. Close to Home: Visit a New City

Block out a couple days to road-trip to a nearby city for a weekend of fabulous restaurants, spas and shopping with your nearest and dearest. Option 1: Head five hours south to The Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis (fourseasons. com/stlouis/), with its beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub, complete with views of the arch. Kids can take pizzamaking classes and make their own gelato behind-thescenes in the kitchen while mom and dad indulge in a couple’s massage. Or, to play out your best treehouse fantasy, there’s always option two: a seven-ish hour drive to Memphis, where you’ll shack up at Big Cypress Lodge (big-cypress.com), located inside the city’s famed 32-story Bass Pro Shops. Here, you can stay inside a rustic treehouse suite, complete with a screened-in porch that overlooks an alligator pond. EVEN BETTER: The Four Seasons St. Louis makes it look easy being green—even the key cards, once plastic, are biodegradable bamboo; Big Cypress Lodge supports myriad conservation efforts including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and more. 70

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

2. A Litte Further: Hike the Grand Canyon

3. Off the Grid: Explore a Far-Flung Land

EVEN BETTER: According to the National Park Service, visitors to the Grand Canyon last year spent over $648 million, which supports the communities near the park and provides nearly 10,000 jobs, sustaining local communities and benefitting the economy.

EVEN BETTER: REI invests in partner nonprofits for outdoor stewardship and the co-op uses 100% renewable energy to operate, making this company a leader in the industry.

If the Grand Canyon has been singing you a siren song, don’t wait—go! Link up with Four Season Guides (fsguides.com), who’ll lead you on a four-day hike from the North Rim to the South Rim, complete with camping at three different locations along the way. Food and gear will be provided, but you’ll be expected to pack in and pack out your own trash, keeping the environment squeaky clean for future generations of hikers. Keep your eyes out for big horn sheep, scorpions and snakes on the ground and California condors, red-tailed hawks and canyon wrens in the sky (nps.gov/grca/index.htm).

If you’re dying to expose your kids to a new country and culture—but not sure where to start—look no further than REI Adventures. Their guided trips, designed specifically for families, whisk you off to magical places like Tanzania, Thailand, Greece, Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica and Peru. The best part: the trip will be full of activities that little ones of all ages actually like—think zip lining, rafting, animal encounters, surfing, hiking and camping. Not only has REI been planning active trips for over 30 years, but the tour guides promote sustainability, eco-friendly travel, culture appreciation and a leave-no-trace ethos while out in nature. rei.com/adventures

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LEFT AND MIDDLE PHOTO BY WENDY ALTSCHULER; RIGHT PHOTO BYJUHO PICTURE, VISIT FINLAND

#GIFTGUIDE

is for relaxation

Here's proof that pampering comes in all shapes and sizes, from a palm-sized therapeutic perfume to a majorly restorative mattress.

6 1. Robe

We don’t know what we love more: the beautiful, unique print or the impossibly silky feel of the fabric—and she won’t either. Sudara Anju robe, $79, sudara.org EVEN BETTER: Each robe is made in India by women working to remain free from sex slavery—and every purchase invests in job creation and skills training.

2. Mattress

Featuring 4,188 springs, tailoring that rivals a Birkin bag, and interchangeable legs—meaning there’s no frame required—this is as luxe as it gets. The Dux 8008 mattress, $14,680 for a King, Duxiana, 619 N. State Street, Chicago EVEN BETTER: Duxiana has received the Oeko Tex 100 stamp of approval. Translation: It’s completely toxin-free.

3. Throw

It doesn’t get cozier than baby alpaca— or more stylish than dip-dyed fringe. La Chance Collection baby alpaca throw in leaf green, $350, shoppingforachange.com EVEN BETTER: Every purchase funds sustainable employment for artisan communities in suburban Peru.

4. Spa Gift

A long soak in the tub is relaxing; the Kohler Bath treatment (at the Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge) is downright mindnumbing. Up for a splurge? Make it a really relaxing year and buy 12. Kohler Waters Spa bath treatment, $104, kohlerwatersspaburridge.com EVEN BETTER: To date, Kohler has donated more than $1.156 million (and counting!) worth of their products worldwide.

5. Scrub

This magical whip relies on gentle rice bran (who knew?) to deliver the kind of exfoliation normally associated with harsh chemicals. Tatcha Deep Polish Rice Enzyme Powder, $65, tatcha.com EVEN BETTER: Every full-size purchase funds a day of school in partnership with Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program.

6. Spa Set

Inside is a French pink clay mask, mixing set, sea salt bath soak, and cold-pressed red clay soap. Throw in a bottle of dry rosé, and go ahead and crown yourself World’s Best Gifter. ELUCX Relaxing Retreat Spa Gift, $60, amesandoates.com EVEN BETTER: Ten percent of the proceeds are donated to Pencils of Promise, which provides children access to quality education.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

7. Perfume

Free of alcohol and water, this subtle perfume oil relies on the natural calming properties of bergamot, white tea, and musk to ease tension. Saor Perfume, $65 for 10ml, saorperfume.com EVEN BETTER: Through the end of December, 10 percent of profits will be donated to Opportunity International, a global nonprofit.

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#FA SHION

LOOK

SNOW B Y T R A C Y C L I F F O R D A N D C A R A S U L L I VA N

Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, or lover of all things après, we’ve got everything you need to ensure your winter wardrobe is on point. Want to hit the powder? Reconsider that last-minute flight to Aspen and let our guide to local mountains lead the way.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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PHOTO BY AARON BENSON ON UNSPLASH

GOOD

#FA SHION

ON THE

Quality ski gear is three things at its core: warm, waterproof, and seriously stylish. We present eight triple-threat pieces.

SLOPES

for HER

Incomparable warmth? Check. Water resistant shells? Double check. Grippy leather palms? Triple check. Himalayan Mitt, Black, $165, thenorthface.com Here’s proof that a hat with fur lining doesn’t have to look frou-frou. Canada Goose Fur Lined Hat, Military Green, $295, saksfifthavenue.com

A figure flattering fit, snow guard to keep out the chill, and zippered pockets for your phone and lift passes? Sold. Bogner Este Ski DownJacket Elena, Black, $1,990, bogner.com

Allow us to introduce you to the glitten: the dexterity of a glove plus the warmth of a mitten. Hestra Gloves Heli Three-Finger Insulated Gloves, Grey, $140, rei.com.

Six words: Water-repellent breathable fourway-stretch. Bogner SkiDungarees Estee, Black, $890, bogner.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH MANUFACTURER

Chunky-knit merino wool ensures your head and ears stay warm and cozy. Mischa Lampert Pompom Trapper Hat, $395, neimanmarcus.com

Do your ski pants have stretchy, ergonomic knees? These do. Frauenschuh Alex Ski Trousers with Belt Loops, Black, Euro 679, frauenschuh.com

A word about equipment… Most resorts have ski and snowboard rental packages, which means you don’t have to schlep the big stuff. Whew!

This sporty style boasts a zippered skipass pocket on the sleeve. Frauenschuh ColeTec Ski Jacket, Black, Euro 1098, frauenschuh.com

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

for HIM

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#FA SHION

AT THE LODGE Ready to swap that double black diamond for a double Black Label on the rocks? Dressing the part is as easy as après-ski.

for HER

There’s nothing cooler than the classic aviator—except these. Dimitry Vintage Aviator Sunglasses, Shiny Black, $415, tomford.com

If you didn’t know you loved Japanese stretch denim, now you do. Rag&Bone Fit 2 Jean in rock, $210, ragandbone.com

Regular leggings are a little too pajama, but sueded leggings scream chic, not sleep. Sanctuary Faux Suede Grease Legging, Black Walnut, $109, juniperboutique.com

If you don’t love the idea of real fur, relax—you’d never know this was faux. Stella McCartney Virgin Wool & Faux Fur Vest, Brown, $835, net-a-porter.com Because everyone should own a pair of rose-colored glasses. Thierry Lasry Potentially, $575, space519.com

Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or over to the bar, these’ll do the trick. Mr. & Mrs. Italy Fur-Cuff Felt Hiker Boots, $610, barneys.com

for HIM 86

Alpaca, virgin wool, cashmere and silk ensure this wearable hug feels as good as it looks. Brunello Cucinelli colour-block sweater, Medium Grey, $1,795, shopbrunellocucinelli.com

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

Ready to kick your boot game up a notch? Go for navy. Moncler New Vancouver Leather Lace-Up Boot, Navy, $595, moncler.com

# T R AV E L

B Y W E N DY A LT S C H U L E R

W H Y N O T TA K E A

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESORT

ROAD TRIP

A ski slope in your own backyard? Total pipe dream. A mountain within driving distance? Start packing up the car—each of these five wintry wonderlands is within three short hours of Chicago.

CASCADE MOUNTAIN Portage, Wisconsin Drive time: 3 hours cascademountain.com Calling all thrill-seekers! This hot spot near Wisconsin Dells boasts four terrain parks with several obstacles, a super pipe and halfpipe, and 10 black-diamond runs with steep descents and mogul fields. But you don’t have to be hardcore to appreciate the place, as the mountain is also home to plenty of beginner slopes (kids under 12 ski free!), a tubing park and shorter runs.

ALPINE VALLEY RESORT Elkhorn, Wisconsin Drive time from Chicago: 2 hours alpinevalleyresort.com Park your poles here to enjoy over 90 skiable acres with 20 runs—including Big Thunder, a steep run with a vertical 388-foot drop and Alpine, the resort’s longest run at 3,000 feet. Ski school for adults and kids is available for beginners of all ages, while experts can check out the flat bar, donkey rail and corrugated tube at the terrain park. If that’s not enough to entice you, guests at Alpine Valley Resort can enjoy on-site ski-in and ski-out rooms (120 are available, including family suites), complete with bistro dining, free weekend movie nights and an indoor pool and hot tub. No snow? No worries—Alpine Valley will make some.

DEVIL’S HEAD RESORT

Merrimac, Wisconsin Drive time: 3 hours devilsheadresort.com Fun fact: This full-service resort— home to one of the state’s highest mountains—is located in Baraboo Bluffs, which was formed by glaciers over a billion years ago. Amenities include a large ski pro-shop, twice-daily groomed trails, long and wide runs, 500-foot vertical rise, accredited ski instructors, a terrain park with tubes and jumps and available cross-country skiing.

CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN RESORT

Galena, Illinois Drive time: 3 hours chestnutmtn.com Nestled right next to historic Galena and overlooking the Mississippi River, you’ll find 19 ski trails and a seven-acre terrain park with 25 rails and structures. Everything you need is right on site: rooms; an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub; three restaurants with contemporary cuisine and craft beer; children’s programs and ski runs for all levels.

MADISON

CHICAGO

WILMOT MOUNTAIN Wilmot, Wisconsin Drive time: 90 minutes wilmotmountain.com Wilmot has been a destination for family skiing, snowboarding, and tubing since 1938—and a recent purchase by Vail Resorts has seen a whopping $13 million in improvements, ensuring that its future is bright. New perks include three four-person chairlifts, a high-speed rope tow in the terrain park, two new lifts in the beginner’s area, an upgraded Base Lodge and a new kids’ ski and snowboard school.

listen up!

For podcasts that promise to make the trip fly, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/PODCAST NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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# H E A LT H

onderful w THE MOST STRESSFUL TIME OF THE YEAR BY CHRISTY COUGHLIN

It may be brimming over with yuletide cheer, but anyone who’s ever hosted a holiday meal, party, or houseguest knows just how draining this season can be. Here, how to find your inner zen—even if you only have 60 seconds to spare.

“By focusing on the breath, you will slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, think more clearly, and increase the oxygen flow to your body,” Benn says. “Breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, then breathe out for a count of eight. Alternatively, take a nice deep breath and think in as you breathe in, and out when you breathe out.” Practice these simple breathing exercises during non-stressful times, and be ready to put them into action when faced with acute stress.

HAVE 5 MINUTES? | Journal Gretchen Rubin, author of the New York Times best-seller “The Happiness Project,” says, “When we write down our worries, we gain perspective and a feeling of control. Writing things down tends to quiet the brain. You won’t keep going over and over the anxieties in your head because they are memorialized on paper. Writing down happy or funny thoughts helps you focus on the positive aspects of your day.” 88

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Record your thoughts in Rubin’s blue journal or a small notebook and place it on your bedside table. Journaling will allow you to let the tough things rest for the night, and acknowledge gratitude for all good things.

HAVE 10 MINUTES? | Meditate Meditation is a practice that can quiet the thoughts in your head, prevent depression, limit stress, reduce anxiety and ultimately make you a happier person. Meditation can be as simple as focusing on the breath, a few positive words, or progressively relaxing each part of your body. Several recent studies from a Harvard University neuroscientists demonstrate that meditation can even increase the gray matter in the brain, leading to improved memory and decision-making, fighting some of the effects of aging. Dr. Justin Levisay, cardiologist at North Shore University HealthSystem, took a transcendental meditation class to learn how he could best function, given his stressful job as a heart surgeon. He finds meditation calming and it allows him time to find clarity and focus for all the important things in his life. Find a meditation teacher and commit to a weekly class. Several meditation applications, like Headspace and Calm, make it easy to try meditation at home and develop a regular practice.

HAVE 15 MINUTES? | Walk “Physical activity reorganizes the brain so that its response to stress is reduced and anxiety is less likely to interfere with normal

PHOTO BY PAUL GREEN

HAVE 1 MINUTE? | Breathe When faced with a stressful situation, using your breath can help you relax and function more effectively. Whether your stress is related to a parking ticket, a fight with your spouse, an hour wait at the doctor’s office, or your child’s failed test, using your breath can help you deal with the issue. Neely Benn, clinical social worker at NorthShore University HealthSystem, suggests developing a routine of breathing exercises for times of acute stress.

# H E A LT H

brain function,” according to a study from Princeton University. Walking, like other physical activity, provides a protective mechanism in the form of calming neurons. Take a break from your stress and go for a vigorous 15-minute walk outside, down the halls of your office or even on the treadmill. Your brain, with just a little exercise, will recover and allow you to get back to business.

HAVE 30 MINUTES? | Practice Yoga Yoga’s ability to blend your body and mind is a form of meditation that can work wonders on your stress levels when practiced regularly. “It’s remarkable what a difference just 30 minutes of yoga can do to help your body and soul feel nourished and optimize your energy flow,” says Amy Ippoliti, acclaimed yoga teacher with yogaglo.com. “When you change your state like this, it’s not that stress will necessarily ever go away. However, you will be able to respond more calmly to daily stress. Even a short practice can change the course of your day and help you think more clearly.” Commit to a regular weekly class at your local studio and work toward a shorter, daily practice to benefit your body and your mind.

HAVE 45 MINUTES? | Get Creative

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN; BOTTOM PHOTO BY EMILY SEA

A recent study demonstrated that 45 minutes of doing artwork significantly reduced the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. And you don’t need to be an artistic genius just to express your creative side. “Creating art has the inherent ability to decompress the mind and body, while making powerful statements about the way we see the world,” says Cara Feeney, manager of exhibitions at Evanston Art Center. “We value and encourage artistic expression of all forms and abilities.” Try a beginner class in drawing, painting, ceramics or photography. Alternatively, adult coloring books are another great option to let your creativity flow.

HAVE 1 HOUR? | Exercise “There are two primary ways exercise can reduce stress,” says Pete McCall, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. “First, exercise is physical stress applied to your body, increasing levels of stress hormones and increasing heart rate to pump blood to the working muscles. Regular exercise provides long-term adaption-maintaining control of heart rate and other systems in response to stress. High-intensity workouts help your body adapt, reducing the effects when stress happens at work or at home. “Second, exercise provides a short-term response by releasing energy and instilling a sense of well-being. Throwing a medicine ball or sandbag can be a great way to release stress through explosive muscle actions.”

The Science of Stress Chicago Botanic Garden

There is nothing like the relaxed feeling throughout your entire body after a super-hard workout. Find accessible exercise that you enjoy: Vigorous walking, running, swimming, a HIIT class, cycling, dance class, strength training, or boxing are all great choices.

HAVE 4 HOURS? | Go Outside Studies continually prove that time in nature reduces stress. A recent study out of Stanford University demonstrated that a walk in nature reduces the participant’s likelihood to ruminate over the various stresses in their life. Rumination is a precursor for depression and other mental illnesses. Humans are naturally designed to find trees, plants, water and wildlife engrossing, and exposure to nature organically becomes the 100-percent focus. After a busy week, plan an outing to the Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum, or take a hike at Kettle Moraine State Park. Regular exposure to nature will help keep your stress in check. HAVE 1 DAY? | Take a Break Allow one day a week to take a complete break from technology: phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, television, video games and any other technical gadgets that are an integral part of your life. “Technology induces stress because it demands our attention in the same way that, say, an insistent boss demands our attention,” says Adam Alter, bestselling author of “Irresistible” and associate professor of marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business. “With push notifications, phones dictate when we’re supposed to pay attention to them. We give them the sort of power that we’d never give to another person—the power to interrupt us whenever they like. And when we do ignore them, we know there’s a chance we’re missing out on something because the online world changes 24 hours a day.” Pick a weekend day and let others know you are off your devices. Encourage a friend or other family members to join your break from technology. Use the time to read Alter’s book (the paper form) and understand how technology is impacting your thoughts, feelings and actions. Notice how much time you have available when technology isn’t demanding so much of it! Stress is a part of life, but it shouldn’t overwhelm you. Adopt one or more of the above strategies to help you manage, reduce, and even eliminate some stress. Your health depends on it! Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/HEALTH

Stress isn’t just unpleasant—it can wreak havoc on your body and your health, says Dr. Justin Levisay, cardiologist at

NorthShore University HealthSystem. “Stress involves a series of hormonal responses including cortisol and adrenalin,” he says. “When facing a stressful situation, more glucose is released into the blood stream and blood pressure and heart rate increase.” And while it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed from time to time, chronic stress can have serious consequences. “It’s been linked to heart disease, diabetes, premature aging, and obesity, just to name a few,” says Levisay.

# T H E AT E R

LET IT SHOW! BY ROBERT LOER ZEL

’Tis the season to be jolly, spread holiday cheer—and, of course, join loved ones for theater classics like “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But while the perennial favorites are indeed returning to local stages, the wise men and women of Chicago’s theatrical community have other gifts in store, too. Shannon Cochran, Jennifer Latimore, Rebecca Hurd in “The Importance of Being Earnest”

“THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST”

Nov. 8 – Dec. 23 | Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org The longtime artistic director of Writers Theatre, Michael Halberstam has a well-earned reputation for taking old pieces of literature and infusing them with a fresh perspective. This satire of social manners in the Victorian era, written in 1894 by Irish author Oscar Wilde, is a classic filled with clever humor and keen observations of human behavior. With Halberstam at the helm, Wilde’s wit is in highly capable hands.

“NEWSIES”

Oct. 25 – Dec. 31 | Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire 847-634-0200 | marriotttheatre.com The original 1992 movie may have been a box-office flop, but it wasn’t long before it—and the stage productions that followed—had amassed a cult following. The musical’s heroes are the ultimate underdogs: kids scraping out a living by hawking newspapers on New York City’s streets in 1899. This Tony Award-winning Broadway version from 2011 is now making its regional premiere at the Marriott, and fans hope it’ll merit an exclamation of “Extra! Extra!”

“THE MINUTES”

Nov. 9 – Dec. 31 | Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago | 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org When a new script by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts makes its world premiere at his artistic home, Steppenwolf, it’s a big deal—and this play, billed as “a scathing comedy about small-town politics and real-world power,” is exactly that. Steppenwolf artistic director Anna D. Shapiro, who directed Letts’ blockbuster “August: Osage County,” is collaborating with him again on this one—so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s scheduled to transfer to Broadway next spring.

“THE BOOK OF WILL”

Nov. 9 – Dec. 17 | Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 847-673-6300 | northlight.org Following in the footsteps of shows like “Shakespeare in Love,” this play imagines a story connected with the English language’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. Lauren Gunderson’s script (directed at Northlight by Jessica Thebus) shows two actors from Shakespeare’s theatrical company working on publishing his plays after his death, determined to keep the Bard’s brilliant words alive for future generations. Dec. 23 – Jan. 1 | Music Theater Works, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston | 847-920-5360 | musictheaterworks.com J.M. Barrie’s famous 1904 play—about the Darling children’s adventures in Neverland with a flying boy who never grows up and his tiny, sparkling sidekick, Tinkerbell— became even more famous after it became a 1953 Disney cartoon and this 1954 Broadway musical, spawning many television broadcasts. This production will revive the show much as it sounded onstage in the 1950s, with music by Morris “Moose” Charlap and Jule Styne. In short, it’s a perfect holiday treat for the whole family. 90 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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PHOTO BY SAVERIO TRUGLIA

“PETER PAN”

“WILDLY ENGAGING HIP-HOP TAKE ON DICKENS’ CLASSIC” “SAVVY AND WITTY” –CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

–CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“A Christmas Carol”

PHOTO BY LIZ LAUREN

Other shows worth checking out: “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” Dec. 5-31, Cadillac Palace Theatre, 800-775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com “A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 18-Dec. 31, Goodman Theatre, 312-443-3800, goodmantheatre.org “Company,” Nov. 3-19, Northwestern University (Ethel M. Barber Theater), 847-491-7282, communication.northwestern.edu/tic/ “Escape to Margaritaville,” Nov. 9-Dec. 2, Oriental Theatre, 312-977-1700, broadwayinchicago.com “Fade,” Nov. 4-23, Victory Gardens Theatre, 773-871-3000, victorygardens.org “42nd Street,” Oct. 26-Dec. 21, Drury Lane, 630-530-0111, drurylaneoakbrook.com “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” Nov. 21-Dec. 3, Cadillac Palace Theatre, 800-775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Oil Lamp Theater, 847-834-0738, oillamptheater.org “Red Velvet,” Dec. 1-Jan. 21, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, 312-595-5600, chicagoshakes.com “Scrooge and the Ghostly Spirits,” Nov. 17-Dec. 22, Citadel Theatre, 847-735-8554, citadeltheatre.org

written by Q BROTHERS COLLECTIVE (GQ, JQ, JAX, and POS) developed with RICK BOYNTON directed by GQ and JQ

BEGINS NOVEMBER 21 IN A LIMITED HOLIDAY ENGAGEMENT

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Spread cheer this holiday season with a Chicago Shakespeare

GIFT CERTIFICATE! WWW.CHICAGOSHAKES.COM/GIFT

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ THEATER MAJOR 2017/18 SEASON SUPPORTERS

The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust

A scathing new comedy about small-town politics and real world power

THE MINUTES A world premiere by ensemble member

Tracy Letts

(August: Osage County, Mary Page Marlowe, Superior Donuts)

Directed by artistic director

Anna D. Shapiro

(August: Osage County, Mary Page Marlowe, The Motherf**ker with the Hat)

Featuring ensemble members Kevin Anderson, Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, James Vincent Meredith, Sally Murphy and William Petersen with Brittany Burch, Cliff Chamberlain and Penny Slusher

Major Production Sponsor

Tickets start at $20 NOV 9 – DEC 31 | steppenwolf.org | 312-335-1650

NEW EXHIBIT THROUGH MAR 4 Sponsored by With in-kind support from

CREATIVITY CAN’T BE TAUGHT WITH FLASH CARDS.

Build it! through March 4, 2018. Build upon your imagination with blocks in a wide selection of shapes and sizes, including Imagination Playground, Fat Brain Toys, and others. See why we’re The Place Where Awesome Lives!

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview | (847) 832-6600 | kcmgc.org

2017/18 SEASON SPONSOR

OFFICIAL LIGHTING SPONSOR

PICTURED: SHANNON COCHRAN, JENNIFER LATIMORE AND REBECCA HURD. PHOTO BY SAVERIO TRUGLIA.

PICTURED: HENRY GODINEZ. PHOTO BY JOE MAZZA â&#x20AC;&#x201D;BRAVE LUX.

BEGINS NOVEMBER 8TH

NOW PLAYING CORPORATE SPONSOR THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

847-242-6000 | WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG THE PERFECT HOLIDAY OUTING FOR THE

ENTIRE FAMILY!

Adapted and Directed by Heidi Stillman From the Book by Charles Dickens In Association with The Actors Gymnasium

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 14 lookingglasstheatre.org 312.337.0665 Audrey Anderson; Illustration by Fred Baxter and Tom Kyzivat; Photo by Sean Williams

premier corporate sponsors

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Buy your tickets in advance online and enjoy express entry! www.sheddaquarium.org

#G B EUTI D TER TG O IGVI IVNI G NG

THE GIVING SEASON BY

C A R A S U L L I VA N

Ahhh, the holidays: decked halls, crisp Champagne, and a calendar that practically bubbles over with excuses to eat, drink and be merry. For every moment of feting and festivity, though, there’s another of quiet introspection as we revel in our health, wealth, and incredible good fortune. It feels good to share that bounty, perhaps this time of year more than ever, and so the season has become synonymous with giving—to our friends, to our families, and to the charitable organizations we champion. But as anyone who’s ever witnessed a loved one open something carefully considered can attest, meaningful giving isn't simply about bestowing a present, it’s about giving better—and we aim to help you do just that.

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#BETTERGIVING

RefugeeOne

WHERE TO DONATE: A HOLIDAY GUIDE BY OLIVIA ELLIS AND ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER

With the holidays comes the season of giving. Whether you'd like to put toys under a Christmas tree or a dinner on someone’s holiday table, here’s our guide to where to donate throughout the North Shore and Chicago.

Toys

Food

Catholic Charities Catholic Charities of Lake County hosts an annual Christmas giving program where they provide presents to more than 10,000 people, mostly children. Catholic Charities can match you with a family and their wish list. catholiccharities.net

Midwest Veterans Closet It’s Veteran’s Day everyday at Midwest Veterans Closet, a not-for-profit charity located in North Chicago that betters the lives of veterans by providing free clothing, household items, furniture, food, housing as available, and employment assistance. midwestveteranscloset.org

Fill a Heart for Kids Fill a Heart 4 Kids' mission is to help vulnerable homeless youth and foster children living in institutions to feel loved and remembered through a special gift-giving program. fillaheart4kids.org Lurie’s Children’s Hospital Consider giving toys to patients at Lurie’s Children’s. Due to health concerns, Lurie’s can only accept new, recently purchased toys and games for children of all ages. luriechildrens.org

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Hillside Food Pantry You may donate shelf-stable, canned, and/or packaged food items to this Evanston food pantry. Check out their website for a current list of items the food pantry seeks. hillsidepantry.org

Northern Illinois Food Bank Northern Illinois Food Bank is the source of nutritious food, innovative feeding programs, and hope for more than 71,000 people each week. As a nonprofit organization with a goal of solving hunger in their 13-county service area, they rely on community partners such as local food pantries and feeding programs, food manufacturers and retailers, companies, foundations and individuals to join them so no one is hungry in northern Illinois. Visit their website for tips and tools for hosting a food drive in your area. solvehungertoday.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

Beacon Place Beacon Place is a community center in southeast Waukegan with programs for kids and adults that allow them to see a path toward their own brighter tomorrow by building the life skills they need, to achieve the dreams that they want. beacon-place.org

#BETTERGIVING

Clothing & Accessories

North Shore Exchange Best of 2016 winner North Shore Exchange, which is made possible by the Woman’s Library Club of Glencoe, supports charities that provide human services and education to low-income families in the Midwest. Appointments are not required for donations. Visit their website to view an accepted list of designers. 372 Hazel Ave., Glencoe Second Time Around Thrift & Gift Shop With all proceeds benefiting Shore Community Services to improve the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities, Second Time Around accepts gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and more. Call the store before visiting to ensure they are accepting donations that day. 4123 Oakton Ave., Skokie Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association Cleaning out the kids’ closets? ESCCA provides school clothing and shoes to Evanston/Skokie District 65 K-8th grade school children. They accept clean and gently used children’s clothing and coats. Donations are accepted all year. 1500 McDaniel Ave., Evanston LensCrafters OneSight OneSight, which was founded in 1988, provides vision care to more than 8.7 million people in 41 countries. With school-based vision centers, charitable vision clinics and community vision centers, OneSight helps communities in need all over the world. Eyewear donations can be dropped off at LensCrafters, Sears Optical or Pearle Vision stores. Various locations in the city and suburbs WCC Rummage Winnetka Community House’s annual Spring Rummage Sale donates all net proceeds to more than 40 humanitarian agencies in the Chicagoland area. Donate new or gently used kids and adult clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and more. The Fall Rummage Sale will be Oct. 15. 630 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka Dress for Success Chicago Gently used suits and professional apparel donations allow Dress for Success to provide interview outfits for women, supporting them in their efforts to achieve their career goals. The program also offers guidance and support for women who have an upcoming interview. Donations must be clean and ironed, and no more than five years old. 515 N. State St. #3240, Chicago Chicago Bears Coat Drive For 27 years, the coat drive has provided coats to those in need during the cold winter months. Coats can be donated at all Jewel-Osco locations in the Chicagoland area beginning in October. Various Jewel-Osco locations Junior League of Evanston-North Shore Thrift House Drop off clothes, shoes and accessories, as well as small furniture, home decor, house wares and books, at the JLENS Thrift House Monday through Saturday. Find more information and hours here. 920 Chicago Ave., Evanston

Electronics

Recycling for Charities Donate used cell phones, iPods, digital cameras and PDAs by printing the shipping label from the website and sending donations to RFC. RFC makes a donation to the charity of your choice for each item you part with. Zealous Good Fill out a form on the website specifying what you would like to donate, and Zealous Good will reach out to charities that are interested in your item. You will then receive an email where you can choose a charity and drop off your donations. 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago Cell Phones for Soldiers Donate your used cell phone or tablet to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a nonprofit supported by AT&T that provides troops and veterans with communication services. Gently used items from all wireless carriers and brands are accepted. Device donation and shipping costs are tax-deductible. Print a shipping label from the organization’s website. Secure the Call Secure the Call collects cell phones, turns them into 911 emergency access phones and donates them to senior citizen centers, domestic violence shelters and police and sheriff departments. Visit the website for various drop-off locations in the Chicagoland area. Various drop-off locations Verizon Wireless HopeLine Similar to Secure the Call, Verizon provides cell phones for domestic violence victims. Used phones, batteries and accessories are accepted. Drop off your phone at any Verizon Wireless store. Various locations

Books

Books4Cause Donate gently used books to Books4Cause, an organization that, through used book donations, has created 20 libraries in Africa, and keeps books out of landfills. All K-12 books given to the organization are donated, and 13 percent of other book donations are sold while the rest are given away or recycled. Drop them off at their Chicago location in Skokie, or donate $25 to the African Library Project to qualify for a fullservice book pickup. 3415 Madison St., Skokie Bernie’s Book Bank Bernie’s Book Bank collects new and gently used children’s books to distribute to at-risk homes throughout the Chicagoland area. Each child the organization serves receives at least 12 books a year. There are drop-off locations throughout the North Shore. Various drop-off locations Chicago BWP This volunteer organization distributes paperback books to women’s prisons nationwide to encourage education and self-empowerment. Visit the website for specific books BWP is looking for. You can either drop books off at the Chicago location or send them via USPS. 4511 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago

Give the Gift of Charity If you’d like to make a charitable donation on someone’s behalf but would like your recipient to be able to choose the charity, charitygiftcertificates.org is the source for you. With more than 1,000 charities to choose from, this is truly a gift that will keep on giving.

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Lurie's Children Hospital

Cradles to Crayons Providing low-income and homeless children with clothes, books, school supplies and more, Cradles to Crayons helps serve nearly 200,000 children living in poverty in Chicago. Visit their website for a list of dropoff locations throughout the North Shore. Various drop-off locations

Furniture

Salvation Army and Goodwill Both provide pickup service and provide you with a tax receipt. Visit each organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website or call to schedule a pickup time. Various locations Village Treasure House All proceeds from this Northbrook nonprofit support 17 local agencies serving women and families in crisis. Small furniture items can be dropped off during business hours, and larger items must be previewed before donating. Village Treasure House pays for transportation of the donated furniture. Visit their website for merchandise guidelines. 1460 Paddock Drive, Northbrook Brown Elephant Resale Shops Brown Elephant supports Howard Brown Health using money earned from the resale of donated items. Bring in any upholstered furniture, tables, dressers, bookcases, etc. Visit their website for a full list of accepted items, as well as a pickup request form. Note: pickup service has a suggested donation of $10. 4025 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago

World Relief Chicago World Relief Chicago provides cleaning supplies, linens, toiletries, kitchen items, furniture and more to immigrants and refugees who have fled their countries due to war and displacement. Visit their website to inquire about a drop-off or pickup. 3507 W. Lawrence, Chicago RefugeeOne By providing opportunities and goods, RefugeeOne helps refugees fleeing war and persecution from all parts of the world. The organization is currently accepting backpacks and school supplies, but donation needs vary by month. View the calendar of donations here. Contact Amy Hill at ahill@refugeeone.org for more information. 4753 N. Broadway St. #401, Chicago Hadassah Resale Shop With proceeds benefiting Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah Resale Shop accepts clothing and furniture. Call the store to arrange a furniture pickup time, with no additional charge. 405 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield

Tell a STory. Share a laugh.

Jump on STage. Youth spring classes at Evanstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nationally-acclaimed theatre training center begin February 6th. Call to enroll and first time students get 10% off a class by mentioning this ad.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore All proceeds from the ReStore go to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that works to provide families with affordable, safe housing and has built 90 homes in Chicago neighborhoods. Visit their website for a list of acceptable items. To donate, fill out the form on the website or send pictures of the items to donate@restorechicago.org. 6040 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago 927 Noyes St, Evanston 847.866.6597 piventheatre.org 98

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#FINANCE

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

Read on to master the art of holiday tipping—all while keeping your sanity and bank account intact. The annual obligatory gift list creeps up on us every year, spurring a mid-December dash to the ATM—or, worse, a bankruptcy-inducing trip to Target. But holiday tipping doesn’t have to be stressful, and once you hit the generosity sweet spot (hint: it’s located somewhere between being a total Scrooge and bribing your way to an A on your child’s report card), it feels downright good.

HAIR STYLIST/ AESTHETITIAN/ MANICURIST/ TRAINER

BABYSITTER

According to a 2017 care.com survey, 81 percent of respondents planned to spend money on holiday tipping— up from 69 percent in 2016. Of those same people, 1 in 3 don’t budget for holiday expenses, and 48 percent of those who do say they go over.

One week’s pay + something sweet from the kids

A framed photo is a great idea. To kick it up a notch, choose a white frame that the little ones can decorate with markers.

A $25 gift card to a local lunch spot

A pre-paid meal from the local pizza place or sandwich shop will stand out in a sea of fruit baskets and popcorn tins.

TUTOR

A $20 gift card to the local coffee shop

Extra credit for including a note of thanks from your child—just be sure everything is spelled correctly. Because tutor.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTOR

A home-baked treat

DOCTOR’S OFFICE

DAY CARE PROVIDER

TEACHER

Consider using cookie cutters that relate to the activity, like music notes for a piano teacher, soccer balls for a coach, etc.

$25 gift card per teacher

In our informal poll of the infant and Pre-K rooms, Target, Dunkin Donuts, and Starbucks came out on top.

A monetary contribution to the class gift

If you feel compelled to give more, skip the mugs and trinkets and stick with supplies: extra tissues, hand sanitizer, and cleaning wipes are always needed.

A homebaked treat + a hand-written note

PRINCIPAL

DOG WALKER

One week’s pay

HOUSEKEEPER

One week’s pay

If you don’t have a relationship with the principal, the card can come from your kiddos. Assuming he or she has a pooch, throw in a bag of treats or a small toy for Fido, too. If this is someone who’s been working with you for years, consider supplementing the cash with a thoughtful gift, like flowers sent to her home or a bottle of her favorite wine.

POSTAL WORKER

A $20 non-cash gift

The U.S. Postal Service restricts the gifts that mail carriers can accept. Cash is a no-no, but a gift worth up to $20 is A-OK.

LANDSCAPER

$20 cash per worker

We live in a region where landscapers complete their work in November, so make an effort to show your appreciation when they arrive for fall cleanups.

$20 cash per worker

Rather than taping envelopes to the cans themselves—too risky—hand them to your collectors directly. Not possible? Call to the waste management company to find out their names, then send checks to the corporate office.

TRASH/RECYCLING COLLECTOR

100 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

Make this more personal by considering his or her interests: the neighborhood coffee shop for a night owl, movie passes for a cinephile, Ulta for a makeup junkie—you get the idea. If your caregiver is employed by an agency or a residential facility that frowns on cash tips, consider booking a massage to offset the physical demands of his or her work.

NANNY

Can’t find the funds for thank-you gifts this year? Push the guilt aside and reach for a pen and paper. As long as it’s hand-written and heartfelt, a note is every bit as meaningful.

$20 gift card

If you’ve seen the same stylist for years, cash might feel impersonal—in which case a thoughtful gift worth about the amount of a visit is completely appropriate.

One week’s pay

HOME HEALTH CARE AIDE

There are few rules when it comes to tipping and gifting, so this guide is meant to serve only as a starting point. (Want to present your pet sitter with a brand-new Louis Vuitton? By all means, go for it.) Here, who—and what—to tip.

The cash equivalent of a single visit

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Holidays are sweeter with fresh baked treats to give and to keep! 335 Waukegan Ave., Highwood, IL 60040 | 847.926.4438 | thebentfork.com

CONVITO CAFÉ & MARKET

french & italian countryside fare / gourmet market / wine shop

the cafe

• Weekday meal deals • Private parties • Brunch on Sunday

the market

• Great prepared foods • Every day “Real Steals” • Huge selection of soups, sauces, sandwiches, sweets

Call: 847. 922. 3418

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Holidays At Convito! PRE-HOLIDAY WINE TASTING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 6:30-8:30PM

30 wines & great hors d’oeuvres, only $15 a person Catering, Gifts, Fine Dining

Christmas Eve Candlelight Brunch & Dinner; New Year’s Eve Specials, & more...

Remodeling, Repair and Home Maintenance “Plain and simple...these guys are the Best!”

– Get Dwell was voted #1 by the readers of 7 North Shore newspapers

2017 WINNER

Serving the North Shore for over 37 years 1515 Sheridan Rd, Wilmette • 847.251.3654 • convitocafeandmarket.com

5 time winner

#PHILANTHROPY

BY ANNA CARLSON

SUPPORT YOUNG MOTHERS New Moms 773-252-3253 | newmoms.org Philanthropy Award-winner New Moms works to interrupt the cycle of poverty and create strong families by providing housing, job training, and family support to young mothers— and has done so for more than 30 years. You can help by volunteering as an individual or with a group. Regular opportunities include assisting in the child care program, helping build resumes and performing mock interviews for women as they job search, and preparing lunch. Individual volunteers will need to attend Volunteer Orientation and pass the screening process before requesting a volunteer opportunity. For more information, visit the New Moms website or email volunteer@newmoms.org.

GI V E T H I NGS Getting rid of old clothing, accessories, electronics, books or furniture? Before you kick them to the curb, consider donating to a local organization that works with those in need. Find our guide on where to give at makeitbetter.net/donate.

THE MISSION OF NEW MOMS IS “EXPRESSING THE LOVE OF GOD BY SURROUNDING YOUNG MOMS AND THEIR CHILDREN WITH EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO TRANSFORM THEIR LIVES.”

PHOTO BY ERIC DECKER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW MOMS

GIVE TIME

GI V E SU PP ORT

PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE WORLD SURGERY

t PROVIDE HEALTHCARE One World Surgery 872-267-3846 | oneworldsurgery.org One World Surgery provides world-class surgical care to people around the world with neither resources nor access. The organization also empowers hundreds of volunteer physicians, nurses and support staff to make a positive impact on global health. Currently, OWS operates Holy Family Surgery Center at Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, a home for abandoned and disadvantaged children in Honduras. The easiest way to help OWS continue to provide care is with a direct donation through their website. Those able to provide In-Kind Donations or volunteer their services for a Medical Mission can also find that information online. If you prefer to make a donation by phone or mail, call 872-267-3846 or use this address: One World Surgery, c/o Claire Cunningham, 510 Lake Cook Road, Suite 400, Deerfield, IL 60015.

HELP HURRICANE AND WILDFIRE RECOVERY American Red Cross and Make It Better redcross.org/donate/cm/makeitbetter-pub This fall, millions of people were affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as earthquakes in Mexico and wildfires in California. To help support the relief efforts, Make It Better partnered with the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois to raise money for recovery. Thank you to everyone who donated to hurricane and earthquake relief efforts using our page (redcross. org/donate/cm/makeitbetter-pub), where Make It Better and the Edwardson Family Foundation matched donations, tripling your support dollars. You can still visit that page to help those affected by wildfires in California. We thank you! 102

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THE RED CROSS SERVED MILLIONS OF MEALS AND SNACKS TO THOSE AFFECTED BY RECENT HURRICANES.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN RED CROSS

OWS VOLUNTEERS WITH A HONDURAN PATIENT AFTER SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

Donate. Volunteer. Connect.

PLEASE JOIN US MRW Leadership Board’s

JAMMIN’ IN OUR GENES

Help CJE continue to help over 20,000 seniors and their families through life enrichment, supportive resources, healthcare, research and education.

Saturday, December 2, 2017 | 8 P.M. - 11 P.M. 210 Green Bay Road | Highwood, IL

CJE SeniorLife & You Can Make a Difference! $500

provides ten seniors with diabetes education and lifesaving screenings

$375

covers four days of Adult Day programming for seniors with Alzheimer’s

$100

delivers ten hot, nutritious kosher meals

$36

pays for two round trip rides on the Shalom Bus for medical appointments or family gatherings

773.508.1000 | www.cje.net.

CJE SeniorLife® is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. 773.10.2017

TELL YOU ABOUT

MRW Leadership Board

Nancy Blitz

*Ari Goldsmith

*Caryn Engle

Jill Kase

Jamie Engle

Debbie Ori

Sara Franklin

Heather Redisch

*Jordan Goldstein, MD

Lindsey Ross

*Stephanie Goldstein

* Indicates Chair Person

The MRW Leadership Board's goal is to educate and empower people to make informed decisions to prevent hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT:

foundation.northshore.org/mrw-leadership-board-benefit

Using interactive 3D technology, Holocaust survival stories will be told by the very people who lived through them. The new Take a Stand Center exhibit is now open.

W H AT W I L L Y O U A S K T H E M ?

TIC KET INFORMATION TAKEASTANDCENTER.COM #TAKEASTAND

#BETTERMAKERS

BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT BY ANNA CARLSON

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM “ WHAT YOU DO MAT TER S” RISA K . L AMBERT CHICAGO LUNCHEON SEPT. 8 , 2017 Sheraton Grand Chicago $5.4 million

Chairs: Glencoe residents Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein of Am Shalom and Julie Stark of Stark Solution

Honorary co-chairs: Governor Bruce Rauner and Mayor Rahm Emanuel Keynote speaker: Maziar Bahari 2017 National Leadership Award recipient: Richard Price of Mesirow Financial Inc.

PHOTOS BY UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

4 1. Larry Abrams of Chicago and Holocaust Survivor Trixie Muchman 2. Maziar Bahari, keynote speaker 3. Jean “Gigi” Pritzker of Chicago, Rabbi Steven and Julie Stark Lowenstein of Glencoe and Maziar Bahari, keynote speaker 4. Marcia Fraerman of Glencoe, Jill Weinberg of Highland Park, and Lori Friend of Glencoe MIB IMPACT: Every dollar enables the Museum to continue its important educational work and outreach done locally, nationally and internationally. 104

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Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

#BETTERMAKERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER

ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER’S SUMME R SOIRÉE AUG . 3 , 2017 Carnivale Chicago More than $190,000 Hosted by the museum’s Women’s Leadership Committee. Chairs: Helene Berns, Danielle Berns Pearlman, Lori Ann Komisar, Dr. Miriam Komisar Dreifuss and Randi Komisar Karlinsky Lead sponsors: Morrie Silverman and Lori Komisar, along with BMO Harris Bank

PHOTOS BY ROBIN SUBAR

Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

1 PHOTO COURTESY OF AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS

AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS ANNUAL GALA

1. Wendy C. Abrams of Deerfield, Holocaust survivor and Museum President Fritzie Fritzshall of Buffalo Grove, Museum VP of Development Ken Cooper of Skokie, and Museum Young Professional Committee member Lauren Abrams of Chicago 2. Olga Ochisor of Highland Park, Kareem Wells of Chicago, and Sandee Zahn of Highland Park 3. Aerialists MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support field trips for students in underserved communities.

SEPT. 18 , 2017 Wintrust Arena More than $4 million More than 17,000 teenagers participated in After School Matters programs this year. Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Hosted by the After School Matters Board of Directors.

Honorary chairs: Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ms. Amy Rule, and The Honorable Richard M. Daley

PHOTOS BY ROBERT CARL

1. Youth supporters Bernie Keller, Sam Scott, Jackie Tilton, Glenn Tilton and Dona Scott pose on the arena floor of Wintrust Arena after an evening of youth performances 2. Alumnus Tanner Beck during his solo performance of “Make Them Hear You” from “Ragtime” 3. After School Matters Board Chair Mellody Hobson (center right) and Board Secretary Nora Daley (center left) pose with After School Matters alumni Semaj Thomas, pastry chef at NoMi (left) and Darrius Thomas (right), student at Chicago’s French Pastry School, during the gallery hour. MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support After School Matters programing, which impacts thousands of Chicago teens.

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#BETTERMAKERS

CHICAGO SHAKESPE ARE THE ATER GAL A 2017

PHOTO BY CHUCK OSGOOD

JUNE 9, 2017 Chicago Shakespeare Theater $1.74 million Co-chairs: Carole and Gordon Segal of Winnetka Honorary co-chairs: Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule

1. Jill Isselhard (Chicago), Carl D. Thoma and CST Board Member Marilynn Thoma (Chicago), Therese and Thomas Daugirdas (Wilmette), and Terry Isselhard (Chicago) in the lobby of The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare which adjoins the Theater’s existing venue. 2. Tony Award-winning Broadway stars Jessie Mueller of Evanston and Heather Headley of Wheaton headlined the performance portion. 3. Event Co-Chairs with Chicago Shakespeare leadership in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare (from left to right): Gordon Segal (Winnetka), Artistic Director Barbara Gaines (Chicago), Carole Segal (Winnetka), and Executive Director Criss Henderson (Evanston). MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will benefit Chicago Shakespeare in Classrooms and Communities, including the theater’s education programs and free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour (pictured).

JEWISH UNITED FUND OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO LION LUNCHEON SEPT. 6 , 2017

PHOTO BY JEWISH UNITED FUND

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LITCHFIELD

The Standard Club More than $2.8 million Hosted by the Women’s Division of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago

Guest speaker: James Beard Award winner Michael Solomonov

PHOTOS BY ROBERT F. KUSEL

1. Joan Chukerman of Highland Park, event committee member; Wendy Abrams of Deerfield, honorary director; Gabi Abrams of Deerfield; and Sharon Abrams of Highland Park, event committee member. 2. Marc Spellman of Northbrook; Donna Weichselbaum of Chicago, LOJE chair; and Alex Antell of Evanston. 3. Helene Herbstman of Riverwoods, event committee member, and daughter Teri Herbstman of Riverwoods 4. Chef Michael Solomonov and Kim Frankenthal (Highland Park), event moderator. MIB IMPACT: This event raised money for the 2018 JUF Annual Campaign. Pictured: A volunteer serves a meal to people in need at the JUF Uptown Café, Chicago’s first kosher anti-hunger program. 106

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#BETTERMAKERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF GREATER CHICAGO

SEIZE THE STAGE: A MUSICAL REVUE BENEFITING THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION JULY 25, 2017 Greenhouse Theater More than $7,200

1. The 2017 cast of Seize the Stage 2. Performer Sean Blitzstein 3. “The Kids” ensemble (L to R) Bottom Row: Justin Shorris, Molly Abrams and Jonathan Protus. Top Row: Rachel Zarkowsky, Maggie Atkinson, Hannah Bergman and Justin Katin. MIB IMPACT: Money raised during this show will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation. Pictured: Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago’s Camp Blackhawk

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEIZE THE STAGE

PERCEPTION

“The thought of downsizing and moving is just too much for me.”

The Comforting Experience of Moving to Presbyterian Homes. With Presbyterian Homes’ ‘Don’t Lift A Box’ moving program, you’ll get help from downsizing experts and moving professionals – and be comfortably situated in your new home before you know it. No matter what your perceptions of moving are, we can help make the reality so much nicer. To learn more, visit presbyterianhomes.org/perceptions. It may just change your mind about moving.

CALL US TO SCHEDULE A VISIT E VA N S T O N

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PUBLISHED IN PROUD PARTNERSHIP WITH NAVY PIER

Polk Bros Fountain and Plaza

Wave Wall Stairs

NAVY PIER: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT B Y B R E T WA L R AT H

IT’S AN OASIS IN THE CITY Guests enter Navy Pier through Polk Bros Park, a 13-acre greenway boasting a range of new features including a magnificent water fountain with more than 150 jets that mimic the movement of waves, schools of fish and flocks of birds; and the Polk Bros Park Performance Lawns, which treat guests to a first-of-its-kind experience right on the lakefront. Both spaces—named the Lake and City Stages—are framed with trees and native plantings to provide shade and are open daily for picnics, star and city gazing, enjoying a cultural program and watching the bi-weekly Aon Summer Fireworks. “We are thrilled to be part of Navy Pier’s transformation into a space where Chicagoans from every neighborhood can engage with arts and culture. Polk Bros Park is about much more than physical space. This is about creating opportunities for all Chicagoans and our city’s visitors to come together to celebrate Chicago, explore the arts and enjoy themselves,” said Gillian Darlow, CEO of Polk Bros. Foundation. As guests stroll the Pier’s historic South Dock, scenic vistas extend in all directions. A remapping of the docks and more efficient use of space have opened new sightlines, giving the location its well-earned reputation for having the “best selfies in town.” 108 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

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Inside the Family Pavilion, now undergoing a major redevelopment, guests can explore the 50,000-square-foot Chicago Children’s Museum, be enthralled at the newly-renovated Navy Pier IMAX at AMC, or simply enjoy the restaurants and shops. Coming soon, Navy Pier will host a transient boat slip with room for 130 vessels to dock, giving boaters the chance to break out the mooring line, come ashore and explore Chicago. Of course no visit is complete without a spin on the Centennial Wheel, the recently-rebuilt Ferris wheel that now soars 50 feet higher than its predecessor, cresting nearly 200 feet into the sky. Its climate-controlled gondolas, each weighing one-anda-half tons, operate year-round. First-time guest and Trinidad native Michael Logie says, “Navy Pier is breathtaking, and as a West Indian soul, I felt the warmth in every 10-degree smile and welcoming arms in every ride. I’ve never felt this exhilarated – more of the world needs that exhilarating experience.” IT’S A CULTURAL DESTINATION Celebrating a diverse community and workforce is central to Navy Pier’s mission. Event programming is at once Chicago-centric and, because of this city’s great diversity, truly global in scope and scale—from international public art installations, such as Impulse, which delighted guests with its musical, illuminated seesaws; to Pier Pride, the largest local Pride celebration outside the Lakeview neighborhood; to Here Hear Chicago, a collaboration between internationally-acclaimed, contemporary artist and performer Nick Cave, and renowned, award-winning architect Jeanne Gang. Navy Pier’s newest cultural jewel, The Yard, is the third and most innovative stage yet created at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The year-round theatrical venue redefines the traditional, fixed relationship between artist and audience, with nine mobile audience “towers” that can be arranged in a wide variety of ways. With each visit, you will come to expect the unexpected. These and many other innovations enable Navy Pier to attract inventive partners and collaborators from around the world, providing a cultural test kitchen that continually reinvents and expresses Navy Pier’s vision in fresh Chicago-centric ways. In 2016, nearly half a million people took part in Navy Pier’s free programming.

PHOTOS BY SAHAR COSTON-HARDY

Since becoming a non-profit in 2011, Navy Pier has embarked on a total transformation both outside and in: not only is its physical space undergoing a makeover, but it’s quickly becoming one of the city’s hottest cultural scenes. In this case, change is a good thing—a very good thing—and it’s safe to say that Daniel Burnham, Chicago’s most renowned city planner and the visionary behind Navy Pier, would be delighted by the impact of his work. “I am certain that he would be proud,” said Marilynn Gardner, the President and CEO of Navy Pier. “It is truly the People’s Pier, a place of respite where locals and guests from around the globe and all walks of life are able to gather to escape the bustling city and be inspired by the uniqueness of the space and the imaginative programs and experiences that now bring this lakefront jewel to life.” Indeed, as Navy Pier enters its second century, it’s thriving as never before—and here’s why.

“Navy Pier’s programming has befittingly been inspired by Chicago, a breeding ground for talented artists, creative forces and visionaries. We have designed a 50-acre lakefront platform specifically for them to showcase and share their gifts with audiences from near and far. In turn, our guests are offered the unique opportunity to experience authentic works produced in Chicago, by Chicago a ll for free and against the most stunning backdrops in the city!” said Michelle T. Boone, Chief Program and Civic Engagement Officer, Navy Pier.

vegetation management, materials selection, human health, construction, maintenance and innovation in design. Among its many successes: a new storm water management system designed to keep up to 1.5 million tons of sediment from entering Lake Michigan each year; the planting of 200 native or adapted trees to form a “green spine” on the South Dock; the introduction of extensive new seating areas made from reclaimed wood and recycled steel; and the reduction of trash diversion to landfills by more than 20 percent.

IT’S A CIVIC TREASURE SUPPORTED BY ALL More than 100 civic and communitybased organizations have partnered with Navy Pier in its ongoing evolution, contributing financially, strategically, and operationally. A handful include: The Polk Bros. Foundation and family; Fifth Third Bank; People’s Gas; the Chicago Free for All Fund at the Chicago Community Trust; the Joyce Foundation; the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts; and the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation.

These initiatives are the forerunners of Navy Pier’s 30-year Sustainable Master Plan, a template for environmentallyconscious development, co-created by Navy Pier with Chicago’s civic leaders, municipal experts, environmental advocates, and nonprofit board members. Partners in the initiative include the Mayor’s office, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.

Of all Navy Pier’s contributions as a civic treasure, the most essential is that it provides all guests, regardless of origin or means, access without charge. Most of Navy Pier’s activities are free; the Pier is as open to all as the lake and city views around it. In fact, the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration culminates November 7 with the gala, “A Celebration ExPIERience,” Navy Pier’s first-ever large-scale fundraiser to support free programming. “Fifth Third Bank is proud to support and partner with Navy Pier. This iconic Chicago landmark and international destination has hosted generations of customers, employees, community partners and friends. The bank has a long history of supporting the preservation and celebration of arts and culture, and the People’s Pier is all that and so much more. We are honored and proud to be a part of the Pier’s transformation readying it to host future generations over the next 100 years and more,” said Eric S. Smith, Fifth Third Bank Market President. IT’S A MODEL FOR URBAN PLANNING In late 2016, Navy Pier was awarded the prestigious SITES Gold certification for leadership in water use, soils and

IT’S A TRUE CHICAGO PARTNER In 2016, a record-breaking 9.3 million guests visited Navy Pier—and in less than a year since its inaugural spin, the Centennial Wheel has welcomed its one millionth rider. This speaks to the magnitude of all the contributions to its host city – that of economic engine. “Navy Pier is Chicago’s front door, serving as a beacon to visitors and one of our city’s great economic and cultural sites. By transforming it into a truly one-of-a-kind destination we are drawing even more visitors from across the region and throughout the world,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Navy Pier partners with more than 80 businesses who collectively employ 3,000 people. In many ways, it’s economic contributions to the city are still at the starting line. In 2019, the Pier will welcome at 220-boutique hotel adjacent to Festival Hall. Staying true to its nonprofit mission, Navy Pier also partners with the Southside Occupational Academy, pairing special needs students in job training with Navy Pier employees. This year also marks the second year in which Navy Pier partnered with nonprofits for its “101 Rides 101 Nonprofits Partnerships,” which awarded 101 fellow nonprofits with 101 tickets for a spin on the Centennial Wheel.

EXPIERIENCE the SEASON Get into the holiday spirit with two of Navy Pier’s unique family programs. Sequence Ch!cago Now through Dec. 20, 2017 The Pier’s exciting new free fall and winter music series, supported by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, is a nod to Chicago’s diverse art and music scene. Guests will jingle all the way through free, holidaythemed performances—including “Housegiving” and “A Blues Christmas”—that showcase the work of local artists, musicians, and cultural organizations who have inspired and influenced the local arts community. Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest Dec. 1, 2017 to Jan. 7, 2018 For the 17th consecutive year, guests are invited to escape the Chicago cold and step into a dazzling indoor wonderland in Festival Hall, where they’ll be greeted by festive décor and a glittering forest of nearly 500 trees decorated with 25,000 ornaments. Inside, dozens of activities and entertainment span over 170,000 feet, including the ever-popular ice skating rink, photos with Santa, cookie decorating and a ride around Winter WonderTown on the Arctic Express Train. Got an appetite for adventure? Soar across the 40-foot Cliff Hanger or scale the Polar Ice Peaks Climbing Wall. For more information, visit NAVYPIER.ORG.

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# C LO S I N GT H O U G H T S

THE BEST GIFT I EVER RECEIVED BY NICOLE SCHNITZLER

Whether it’s practical or ornamental, budget-breaking or handmade, there’s nothing better than giving—and getting—the perfect present. We caught up with some of our favorite Chicagoans about the ones they won’t soon forget. Rick Bayless

Co-Owner of The Alinea Group

Chef and Founder, Frontera Restaurants

“A hand-forged knife from Allen Hemberger. When Allen first dined at Alinea many years ago he swiped a logoembroidered napkin from the restaurant. He spent the next five years cooking every single recipe in the Alinea book and documenting it in his own book, The Alinea Project, and that year he sent me a gift for New Year's with a note reading: "I wanted to return the napkin..." I opened the box to find a hand-tooled leather knife-roll that he made—and a chef's knife he forged himself with the napkin embedded in an epoxy handle. Amazing craftsmanship, and an amazing gift.”

Kristin Clark Co-Founder of Lakeshore Baby

"A good friend gifted me a box of Crane & Co. monogrammed notecards many years ago, and I am constantly searching for similar unique cards to fill my desk drawer. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note."

Marie Tachouet Principal Flute, Lyric Opera of Chicago

“I will always treasure the coffee table my now-husband made for me as a birthday gift when we were newly dating. Since he's not a furniture maker by occupation, I was so surprised and impressed by all the details—the hairpin legs, the beautiful stain, and the midcentury modern style. I love having a functional, handmade reminder of our early relationship in our home!” 110 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2017

“In the days after Topolobampo won the James Beard Foundation's 2017 award for "Outstanding Restaurant," a huge crate was sent to our office. Inside was a Methuselah of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne signed by our friends at Alinea, the previous year's winners of the same award. For the uninitiated, a Methuselah is a ridiculously huge, six-liter bottle that's obviously meant to be popped for superspecial celebrations. What a gesture.”

Maria Pinto Fashion Designer

“A great man in my life gave me a sculpture by Thomas Skomski called the ‘Misuse of Meaning.’ It is an oversized dictionary with hundreds of river rocks layered among the pages; from the side, the pages look like a tree trunk and branches, and the rocks like leaves. It gives the impression of a huge tree with long, sweeping branches, and it is truly a treasure.”

Brandon Breaux Fine Artist and Designer

“My father wasn’t able to be around much when I was young, but when I was 23 years old, he bought me a bike. I rode it everywhere and at all times of day—to my freelance design gigs, to the movies, to bars and events, to Soldier Field and back. It reminded me that although I didn't get a lot of time with him growing up, he had a huge impact on me—I’m very grateful for that.”

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Nadine Kenney Johnstone Author, "Of This Much I’m Sure"

“A video montage made by my ESL students. I was 28 at the time and teaching English as a Second Language at a university. During that time, my husband and I were struggling to have a family. One day, after an IVF egg retrieval procedure, I was rushed into emergency surgery and had to miss three weeks of work to recover. My students must’ve known how lonely I was, and they sent me a 'get well' video with songs and stories. I keep it in my safe alongside my wedding DVD—that's how much it means to me.”

Katrina Markoff Founder and Chocolatier, Vosges Haut-Chocolat

“Last holiday I received an Altuzarra handbag from my husband, and inside was a photo of him and my two young sons. Of course, the most intimate part of the gift was the message he wrote and how the handbag was equestrian-inspired—it reminded him of my love of horses and their free spirit, which reminds him of me. I cherish it, and to this day I carry the photo and the note inside of it.”

Jeffrey Bouthiette Head of the Music Program, Second City Training Center Chicago

“It isn’t something heartfelt or sentimental; it's a pasta pot with the strainer built in, given to me for Christmas by my sister-in-law. I really didn't understand bliss until I could ditch the colander and make pasta without spilling boiling water everywhere. I'll take that over a memorable keepsake any day!”

TOP (L TO R): PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK KOKONAS; PHOTO BY GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY; MIDDLE: PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN CLARK; PHOTO BY YUYA OHASHI; PHOTO COURTESY OF VOSGES; BOTTOM: PHOTO BY SANDY SWANSON; PHOTO BY NICK CASTLE; PHOTO BY IAN MCLARENGREY

Nick Kokonas

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