LCM-12-01-12 by Shaw Media

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Festive Activities For December December 2012

Find The Right Gift For The Colleague, Athlete Or Mother-In-Law Explore Diamond Trends With 3 Lake County Jewelers

10Intriguing People Meet 10 people in Lake County who lead very interesting lives.

INSIDE

Home & Lifestyle

Home Design — Lighting: Different lights can set the tone of a room. Find out how to properly light your home, and learn tips for hanging a chandelier from Warren Electric in Wildwood. Plus, don’t miss these suggestions for holiday lighting from Superior Systems in Barrington! From The Vine To Townline: Gints Brencis of DiCarlo Fine Wine and Spirits in Mundelein shares the perfect wine pairings for turkey, ham, goose and prime rib — just in time for your holiday dinner.

Family 14

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10 Intriguing People 25

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The furry friend you have at home needs holiday presents, too, right? Grayslake Feed Sales in Grayslake and Cody and Carl’s Blvd. in Barrington offer ideas for stocking stuffers and treats for your pets. Success Lives Next Door: As director of the state chapter of Healing the Children, Jeff Degner of Barrington helps kids overseas receive medical help in the U.S., including organizing ﬂights to and from their home countries. Write This Down: We introduce Michelle Stien, a stayat-home mother of two, who will provide commentary in a new monthly column about the trials — and treats — of parenting.

Meet some of the interesting people who work and reside in Lake County as part of our annual 10 Intriguing People feature. Say hello to Ariana Koehler, a senior at Wauconda High School, who can perform a trick only three other women in the world can do. You’ll also meet Paul Wood of Lake Forest, who has such a fascination with old aircraft that he created the Warbird Heritage Foundation — and he still ﬂies vintage planes. On The Cover is Cassandra McKinney, who — on top of being a director of an upcoming program at the College of Lake County — also works with au pairs and teaches ski lessons to children. Meanwhile, Chief Raymond Rose of Mundelein is co-chair of a task force that recently received a $125,000 grant to combat teen drinking, teen drug use and other problems in the county. A former chef of Moto in Chicago, Chris Jones came back to his childhood town of Grayslake to help with a huge fundraiser. He also is working to replace eggs with plantbased proteins. Maria King of Wadsworth got tired of listening to music that included explicit content, so she created her own Internet radio stations to provide hot music that is free of suggestive lyrics, violence or despair. Gregg Rosenquist is a Lindenhurst author who recently published his seventh book. Then there’s Katie McGrath, a 2012 graduate of Grayslake North High School, who recently was named a “sportsperson of the year” by the IHSA. Kailey Koehler, sister to Ariana and a junior at Wauconda High School, is the second best barefoot waterskier in the world in her age group — plus a straight-A student. And ﬁnally, Mike Pruitt, co-owner of The Vine Martini and Wine Bar in Grayslake, orchestrated a seven-course dinner fundraiser — cooked by Chris Jones. The event raised $10,000, which was donated to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Health 30

Today’s styles are uniquely eclectic ... Kyta Buchta, showroom manager at Warren Electric in Wildwood

How many jumping jacks would it take to burn off a glass of wine? Find out! Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder or form of depression that usually begins in early winter. Learn more about SAD and how to combat symptoms.

Holidays / Fashion & Beauty 34

37 40

Also On The Cover: Diamonds are forever, and they’re always a popular holiday gift. Explore the latest trends in these sparkling stones with experts at Bliss Diamond in Libertyville, Lustig Jewelers in Vernon Hills and Rolland’s Jewelers in Libertyville. Find the right gifts for the athlete in your family, the environmentalist — even the mother-in-law — with these suggestions from Lake County shops. We’ve got a calendar event for every single day of December to help keep you full of festive spirit!

from the editor

Happy Holidays!

ne of the reasons I love my job so much is that I get to meet — either directly or indirectly — so many interesting people in our county.

As a reporter, I often found myself wanting to find an adult league to play in after writing a high school game review, or shop at a new store after covering a ribbon-cutting ceremony or even volunteer at a different organization after meeting its founders. As an editor, even if I’m not reporting on the scene first-hand, I’m still finding and reading about people who are doing amazing things. Our December issue is dedicated in part to some of the interesting people in our community — 10, to be exact. Two are high school students who represent the entire U.S. in their particular sport; two others raised a significant amount of money in their fight against hunger. Another is planning ahead for the future so that our children and grandchildren will have enough clean water to live healthy lives. I’ve talked with many of our 10 intriguing people, and their passion for their hobby, job or philanthropic event is nothing short of inspiring. Each has such an interesting view on life, and I can’t wait for you to read all about them (page 25). Along with meeting your interesting neighbors, we’d also like to help you out this holiday season, whether it’s learning how to

properly light your home — inside and out (page 8) — or finding the right gift. We talk to experts about diamonds for that special someone (page 34), pet boutiques for the furry friends in your home (page 14) and local businesses for the people in your life who may be hard to shop for (page 37). In the midst of this holiday season, when many of us are frantically trying to tick off items on our list of things to do, we also take a moment to remember that this is the time to give back to others. You’ll find examples of people with good hearts within our 10 intriguing people feature, and you’ll also read how Jeff Degner of Barrington helps young children receive the medical treatment they need right here in the Chicago area (page 18). Take the time to look at the list of charities to which you can donate time or money. Perhaps one might pull at your heartstrings. And don’t miss our new columnist, Michelle Stien, a stay-at-home mom of two young children who chronicles her adventures in motherhood (page 23). This month, find out why she can’t wait to pull out her Elf on the Shelf. The stories we run in Lake County Magazine every month inspire me to want to be a better athlete; better wife; better homeowner; better philanthropist; and better person overall. The people at the center of each story are by no means perfect, but they do have a story to tell, and we enjoy sharing those with you. I pray you have a blessed holiday! — Stephanie N. Grimoldby Editor

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.LakeCountyMagazine.com General Manager Alese Campbell 847-223-8161 acampbell@shawmedia.com Niche Product Manager Kelly Buchanan 815-526-4445 kbuchanan@shawmedia.com Account Manager Stephanie Barrons 847-231-7504 sbarrons@shawmedia.com Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby 815-526-4467 sgrimoldby@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Vice President/Niche Products J. Tom Shaw 630-232-9222 jtshaw@shawmedia.com Correspondents Elizabeth Harmon, Lee Nelson, Amanda Marrazzo, Romi Herron, Lara Jackson, Jacky Runice, Colleen Leonard Photographers Heather Nelson, Melissa Emory Lake County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Lake County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or by email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

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SNEAK PeeK In our January “Health” issue, don’t miss: A look at unconventional ways to stay ﬁt The kick-off of our lowfat recipe of the month series

Fashionable athletic wear

On The Cover Pictured on the cover is Cassandra McKinney, director of the College of Lake County’s Green Economy and Sustainable Water Center. McKinney was chosen to be featured in Lake County Magazine’s annual 10 Intriguing People article. To read more about McKinney and nine other intriguing people, see page 25. Diamonds provided by Bliss Diamond in Libertyville. McKinney wears a diamond wreath necklace; inside-outside diamond hoops with a vault lock; a vintage diamond ring; a diamond macro pave ring; and a diamond bracelet. For more in diamond trends this holiday season, see page 34.

Organic facials

Photo by Melissa Emory

Computer classes to keep you up-to-date on technology

Hair and makeup by Trace and Renee, respectively, from Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spas in Libertyville.

... and more!

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December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

home & lifestyle / HoMedesign

Lighten Up! I By LARA JACKSON

Lighting can be a key ingredient when decorating a home. Not only is it essential for practical purposes, but lighting also can set the atmosphere of a room. Softer lighting adds a cozy, more personal feel, whereas bright lights can add more of a harsh, impersonal vibe — but it might be necessary for some rooms, such as home ofﬁces or a workroom.

Interior lighting

With so many interior lighting choices available, how is a homeowner to know what works and what doesn’t? 6“For holiday lighting, we use metal frames in different shapes — such as snowﬂakes or starbursts — which gives the home a distinct, unique look,” says Ed Riess, owner of Superior Systems in Barrington, which specializes in outdoor lighting. (Outdoor photos provided by Superior Systems)

How To Use Lighting As A Decoration Inside (Or Outside) Your Home

“Today’s styles are uniquely eclectic, and you’ll definitely feel comfortable with mixing and matching,” says Kyta Buchta, showroom manager at Warren Electric in Wildwood. “No longer does a whole family of the same fixtures need to be in every room. This year, the trend is definitely ‘opposites attract’ — the bling factor is in!” According to Buchta, there is no need for a family to purchase a whole new set of lights. Homeowners easily can work with what they already have in the house and, depending upon the room’s needs and atmosphere, a variety of lighting fixtures including sconces, chandeliers and other fixtures will work. However, she notes that “less is more.” Buchta recommends homeowners first

determine the purpose of the room they are lighting. The answer will play a large role in understanding the room’s lighting needs. For a more cozy, intimate feel to the room, Buchta suggests using dimmers. “Feel free to complement your traditional furnishings with contemporary lighting or your modern style with traditional ﬁxtures,” she says. “Just keep in mind the old saying ‘vice versa’ and always remember that lighting is the functional accessory of your personal style.”

Lighting basics

Whether a family is lighting a bedroom or front yard, there are several electrical and lighting basics homeowners should follow. “It’s a good idea to hire a contractor to install lights, but if the homeowner decides to install the lighting himself, there are some installation tips for ﬁxtures he should follow,” Buchta says. She provides the following tips for do-it-yourselfers: • To size a chandelier for a dining and/or breakfast room, measure the

3 (From left starting on opposite page) Hinkley Lighting offers Fredrick Ramond, Hinkley’s luxury line of chic, fashionable lighting with a focus on modern elegance and luxurious details. (Chandelier photos provided by Warren Electric)

6“There are four primary functions of lightscaping — safety, security, aesthetics and functionality," says Riess.

• Always consider ceiling heights. Taller ceilings demand larger ﬁxtures. • Keep in mind the size — namely width — of a table or island. • Consider the size of the room to make sure that there is enough wattage to properly illuminate it. Remember — more is better when it comes to wattage. One can always purchase a dimmer.

outdoor lighting

length and width of the room and add the dimensions together. The total size measured in feet should directly correlate to the size of the chandelier in inches. Example: 14 feet + 20 feet = 34 feet. The correct size of chandelier should then be 34 inches. If that size seems inappropriate due to the size of the table, size the chandelier three-quarters the width of the table. Additionally, in most cases, the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 30 inches above the table. • When determining whether to hang a flush, semi-flush or multi-tiered chandelier in a foyer, the bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor. With twostory fixtures, the bottom may be higher. For two-story fixtures with a window above the entry door, the center of the piece should be placed in the middle of that window. If a foyer is extremely large, sconces can be added, which should be placed 60 inches from the floor and 6 to 8 inches apart. LakeCountyMagazine.com

It’s not just the inside of a home that needs light. The outside needs proper lightscaping, too, says Ed Riess, owner of Superior Systems in Barrington, which specializes in outdoor lighting. “Lightscaping is painting with light,” he says. “There are four primary functions of lightscaping — safety, security, aesthetics and functionality.” According to Riess, the key to successful outdoor lighting is not seeing the light source. “With any light source, stand back a few feet to get the full sense of illumination,” he says. “When we’re looking at something close up, our eye gets tighter, so it’s good to step back to get a fuller view. Also, when setting up lighting, it’s best to project the light onto the object indirectly to create a softer and more ambient atmosphere.” Experimentation is key with lighting, he adds. “You have to see what works and what doesn’t,” he says, noting it’s a good idea to read up on lighting. “Also, if you’re doing the lighting yourself, keep in mind for outdoor lighting you must keep it at a low voltage because you can’t run a lot of voltage on a wire at a great distance.” December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

6To size a chandelier for a dining and/ or breakfast room, measure the length and width of the room and add the dimensions together. The total size measured in feet should directly correlate to the size of the chandelier in inches.

Holiday lighting

When the holidays come around, lighting can be extremely important. “Light changes how we feel about everything; it just makes us feel different, especially during the holidays,” Riess says. Instead of focusing on what their home looks like from the street, homeowners should focus on lighting their home for the holidays for their own enjoyment, Riess says, especially in the backyard. He suggests lighting the backyard — especially if the kitchen or dining room windows face the yard — so the family has lovely lights to look at while enjoying a meal. There are also great ways to make a home look different from other homes on the block. “For holiday lighting, we use metal frames in different shapes — such as snowﬂakes or starbursts — which gives the home a distinct, unique look,” Riess says. “Homeowners can do this themselves, but it’s safer and easier if they hire a contractor.” “There are so many other types of outdoor lighting besides icicle lights nowadays,” he continues. “I prefer colored lights because they’re more festive, but white lights are still very popular. Homeowners can use yard art, wireframed ﬁgures with lights or animated pieces to brighten up their home for the holidays.” lc

Warren Electric

33261 N. Highway 45 • Wildwood 847-223-8691 www.warren-electric.com

Superior Systems

27w929 Commercial • Barrington 847-382-3036 www.homelites.com

10 Lake County Magazine • December 2012

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home & lifestyle

Which Wine? ’T is the season to trim the tree, hang the stockings with care and continue with every other clichéd tradition. But hey, I’m a sucker for clichéd holiday traditions. Soon your house will be bustling with friends and relatives salivating for a glass of wine and chomping at the bit to sit down for a delicious holiday dinner. For me, growing up it was always round No. 2 at Christmas with the mighty, roasted bird, which was usually in the same weight class as its contender from Thanksgiving. However, holiday dinners away from home involved other delicious cuts of meat such as ham, goose and prime rib — all worthy of being showcased at this time of year. These different cuts of meat, being inherently different in texture and ﬂavor proﬁle, deserve to be paired with different wines. There are no steadfast rules when pairing wines, and opinions do vary, but there are pairings that historically have worked better than others. Here is what I have found to work:

Turkey

Although overlooked by most, “serious” dry rosés made from pinot noir, syrah, mourvedre or a blend of varietals have the perfect acidity to balance turkey. Coppola’s Soﬁa Rosé ﬁts the bill perfectly — a steal at $10.99. The single best red wine to choose for turkey is pinot noir. This versatile varietal has tangy strawberry and cherry fruit, with nice acidity and low levels of tannin. With elegance and a touch of earthiness to lend complexity, pinot noir will subtly support most things on the holiday table without overpowering them. Sparkling wines, although rarely served by most with the main course, are a no-brainer. Bright acidity and fruit make bubbly extremely food-friendly. Especially good are Brut Rosé and Blanc de Noirs. As a general rule, white wines that are fruit-

From The Vine To Townline with DiCarlo Fine Wine and Spirits

LakeCountyMaga-

• Gints Brencis is director of fine wines at DiCarlo Fine Wine and Spirits on Townline Road in Mundelein. He offers his expertise in the wine industry to the Lake County community.

driven or contain some sugar will pair perfectly with turkey. Pinot grigio/pinot gris and riesling, especially German Kabinetts and offdry Spatleses with their tropical fruit will work with almost anything on the holiday table.

Ham

Although it’s hard to go wrong when pairing wine with ham, lighter wines balance out the sweetness of the ham — especially if it’s glazed. Both riesling and Gewurztraminer have enough ripe fruit and sweetness to bring out the ﬂavor of the ham and to balance out its saltiness. And yes, once again, chardonnay would do the trick. Its versatility comes from its fairly neutral character and rarely clashes with even the side dishes. When looking at pairing red wines with ham, zinfandel is an excellent choice because of its ripe, fruity proﬁle that complements the ham’s sweet and salty contrast. As above, an elegant pinot noir is also an excellent pairing with a ham that has a savory sauce.

Goose

The richness of goose meat requires wines with a balance of opulent texture and acidity to match the fat in the dish. It is, however, the perfect time to break out that bottle of aged cabernet, bordeaux, rioja or barolo that you have stashed. Younger versions, especially barolo, will work, but decant them several hours before serving. Franco Serra Barolo — an amazing value at $29.99 — would be ideal. The robust wines of the southern Rhone Valley of France, home to Chateauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône, complement the goose’s savory charms and are also a terriﬁc match. When it comes to whites, rieslings and pinot gris from Alsace, plus their counterparts from Germany and Austria, may not have the tannic structure of a red, but their ripe

fruit, minerality and high acid have long been the foil to hearty winter dishes such as goose.

Prime rib

Prime rib is one of the most tender and flavorful cuts of beef, so it deserves a wine that will stand up to all that flavor. A good cabernet sauvignon is the ideal candidate for prime rib, but other big and bold reds such as syrah/ shiraz and petite sirah would definitely do the trick. While red wine is by far the best pairing for prime rib, ubiquitous chardonnay can definitely be paired for those who need to pair a white wine. In this case an oaky, buttery version would be ideal.

No matter what you choose to serve with your holiday meal — red, white, sparkling or sweet — everything will taste better in the company of family and friends. Cheers! lc

family

I By AMANDA MARRAZZO

3 Cody and Carl’s Blvd. Christmas Accessories (Photos provided) 4 (Facing page) Cody and Carl’s Blvd. Christmas Bakery

FesTIve Furry Friends

edazzled collars, festive Christmas sweaters, gourmet cookies or freeze-dried green beans — dog owners have plenty of choices in Christmas gifts for their favorite pooch. Jennifer Schoonmaker, owner of Cody and Carl’s Blvd. — a Barrington dog boutique named for her own two dogs — says the options for lavishing one’s dog with gifts this year are endless. “Christmas is my favorite time at the store,” says Schoonmaker, who has owned and operated the pooch boutique since 2006. “Everyone is out shopping. We get to meet our customer’s families, and I hear them say, ‘I have a grand dog [to shop for] for my stepdaughter ... I need a gift for her dog.’ It’s just awesome. [Customers] go

and they bring presents for the kid — and the dog.” She also gets customers in during the holiday season shopping for dresses or bow ties for their dogs to attend such charity functions as the annual Fur Ball in Chicago. Schoonmaker doesn’t do any advertising, she says. Instead, she takes the money she could spend on advertising and donates it to local animal rescues. “That is why I am in the business,” she says. “It’s not just about the cute clothes and cute dog treats.” She notes that she sells only the highest quality toys, beds, clothes and treats in her boutique and only buys products that are made in the U.S., a trait she says sets her apart from big-box retailers.

Clothing/accessories

As she prepares for another Christmas season, Schoonmaker shares a few of her favorite clothing and accessory ﬁnds for pooches. • Water-proof, puffy parkas lined with fleece and topped off with hoodies are in fashion, she says. • Colorful Christmas sweaters, sweatshirts and dresses are always popular this time of year, she adds. • Schoonmaker also carries Ruff Ruff Couture, which customers have compared to baby clothes. These clothing items are made with appliqués, crystals, buttons and different trims. They range in price from $30 to $45. • An array of Christmas collars, leashes and accessories with bling — such as crystals and rhinestones in bright Christmas colors with holiday details — are sure to make a family pooch festive. Such collars and leashes range from $19.50 to $38.50. • Velvet scrunchy collars decorated with crystals and poinsettias are available for girls, with Christmas ties available for boys.

Toys

3 Cody and Carl’s Blvd. Christmas Tough Toys

Like any kid at Christmas, a family dog may ask, “Where are the toys?” Cody and Carl’s Blvd. carries hundreds of different toys, Schoonmaker says. • Some popular corduroy dog toys available year-round include the bunny, octopus, raccoon and moose. All have ﬁve squeakers and center belly squawks. • For the pampered pooch, there is the “luxury” line of stuffed chew toys such as the Chewnel — a Chanel look-alike handbag — and the Chewy Vuitton — a bone-shaped toy. • There also are talking dog toys and a funky ball collection that squeaks. At Christmas time,

Schoonmaker adds to the mass collection with toy elves, reindeer, Santa Clauses and candy canes. Prices range from $15 to $20. Like Schoonmaker, Katie Brya, sales clerk at Grayslake Feed Sales in Grayslake, says around the holidays it’s common for customers to come in just to buy treats and toys for their pets. “We have a lot of regular customers come in always asking, “When are you going to get in Christmas toys?’” she says. • The store carries Christmas toys safely made for a dog in the shapes of Santa Claus and snowmen, with an additional array of red, green and white seasonal toys. Toys range from $5 to $15.

stocking stuffers

How about stocking stuffers? • To protect paws from winter weather conditions and harsh salts and chemicals used to melt ice, Schoonmaker sells Pawz — little rubber balloon-like disposable coverings for dogs’ paws. Pawz are sold in a package of 12 and range from $11 to $15. • Musher’s Secret also protects pet’s paws. For about $10, a 60-gram jar of this wax can protect paws from the cold or de-icing salts. • Family members can buy and personalize doggy ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree. • Dog beds are also a hot item for a family’s favorite four-legged friend. Schoonmaker says beds are available that are made of high-end, micro-velvet upholstery, which range from $90 to $300. • Grayslake Feed Sales carries Christmas stockings that come with paint or markers to personalize for a pet and ﬁll with goodies.

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all-natural Christmas goodies, available in both crunchy and soft treats. Treats come in the shapes of gingerbread men and Christmas bows, and then there are treats that look like they are wrapped up in colorful Christmas wrapping paper. They range is price from $3 to $9.

Cats

Treats

What dogs really want for Christmas are treats, and Schoonmaker sells an array of nationally-made, allnatural dog cookies and treats. • Hand-made cookies in the shape of Santa Claus, snowmen, reindeer, snow mittens and candy canes are ordered from “dog-speciﬁc bakers” and made with ingredients such as peanut butter and yogurt, she says. “When [customers] go to the regular baker and pick up stuff for the family, then they come to us and buy for the dog,” she says. • Schoonmaker also carries healthy, all-natural treats year-round that dog lovers can use to create a Christmas goody basket. She recommends elk antlers — chewy, cruelty-free treats found in the wild that range in price from $8 to $40; green bean and carrot chips; organic, grain-free cookies in such varieties as banana and sweet potato, pumpkin and apple; and a variety of jerky dog chews. • Grayslake Feed Sales, meanwhile, also carries

Let’s not forget a family’s feline friends this Christmas. Schoonmaker says there are plenty of ﬁndings for a family cat, including cat nip — always a feline favorite. She also recommends: • Organic tuna flake treats • Climbing trees • Cat wands • Laser pens • Talking, chirping and tweeting cat toys • Feather toys Grayslake Feed Sales offers its own array of goodies for cats. • The store offers all-natural Christmas treats for cats, available between $2 and $5 a package. • It also sells seasonal toys, which range from $5 to $15.

other family pets Though there are not speciﬁc Christmas treats or toys for smaller pets such as guinea pigs or rabbits, Brya says it is common for customers to ﬁll up Christmas stockings with treats to create little gift packages for such smaller creatures at home. lc

For more information and gift ideas, visit www. codyandcarlsblvd.com or www.grayslakefeed.com.

December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

family / success lives next door

Real Angels Among Us

I By Lee NeLSON

Barrington man helps children from third world countries receive medical care

This Christmas, two teenagers from

El Salvador will go home healthier than they when arrived in the U.S., with promising futures ahead of them. They could call Jeff Degner their guardian angel. As director of the Illinois-Indiana chapter of Healing the Children, Degner orchestrated the teens’ entire journey to the Chicago area to get the medical treatment, care and accommodations they needed to survive. Jasmine and Nelson have heart conditions. They suffer from Parkinson-Wolff-White syndrome, which can lead to episodes of very fast heartbeats. The teens came to the U.S. in November with escorts from the organization, flying with frequent flyer miles donated to their cause. They are now living with foster families in the area who are watching over them until they return to their homes sometime in December — as soon as they get the OK from their local doctor. “Any of us volunteering for Healing the Children could spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week helping. The need is out there,” Degner says. “I feel I am blessed to be able to be involved. The joy I feel is so wonderful. You get to see that you make a difference in these kids’ lives. These are all good people working together in this organization.” Degner has been helping children like Jasmine and Nelson for more than 20 years, and he has been director of Healing the Children since 2005. He started out as an escort to dozens of children to and from Central America. The first child he helped was Carmen, then 14, from Guatemala. “She recently found me on Facebook,” Degner says.

“She’s 30 now, outgoing and has her whole future ahead of her.” The second time he escorted a child, he helped 6-month-old Maria. “She was really, really sick with heart and lung problems,” Degner says. “She would have died in a couple of weeks if we hadn’t brought her back to Chicago. I can still remember that she was so weak she couldn’t even cry.” When it came time for her to go back to Nicaragua, Degner took her alone. “I have a video tape of me giving Maria back to her mom,” he says. “Now, every time I go back to their country as an escort, Maria and her mom are waiting for me at the airport or the hotel to see me. Maria is 19, and so healthy.” They keep in touch with him through email and letters, he adds. Degner’s responsibilities include locating doctors and hospitals that are willing to donate their services, plus finding host homes for the children when they are recuperating in the U.S. He also seeks out donations for frequent flyer miles to get the children to and from the U.S., and he finds the best-suited escorts to meet the children in their home country and fly with them to America and back to their homeland. He also sets up medical mission trips in which teams of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals spend a week in a foreign country treating hundreds of children. “I’ve been fortunate enough to go on several missions,” he says. “It is something when you get back home and realize how fortunate we are in this country.” Through all of his volunteer work, Degner maintains a full-time job as a passenger-service employee of Delta Airlines at O’Hare International Airport, where

he’s worked for the last 42 years. He wrote a touching story about one of his escort adventures, and it was placed in a compilation book called “Doing Good For Goodness’ Sake: Heartwarming Stories And Inspiring Ideas To Help You Help Others,” by Steve Zikman. “I find that all this brings out the goodness in people,” Degner says. “I see so many smiles and so many doors opening for these children. So many things that seemed impossible for these children can now happen in their lives.” To learn more: Healing the Children: Illinois/Indiana Chapter — The nonprofit organization provides vital medical care to needy children domestically or to underdeveloped countries. Director: Jeff Degner Address: 20821 N. Scott Avenue, Barrington, IL 60010 Phone/Fax: 847-381-8821; email: hope@htc-il.org How to get involved: The organization always is looking for people to donate frequent flyer miles or money. People also can be a host family to a needy child while they are recuperating from surgery. Healing the Children also is in need of physicians, surgeons, nurses and dentists who are willing to freely give of their time and efforts for medical missions for children in the U.S. or in underdeveloped countries. Hospitals that accept humanitarian referrals are needed as well.

Here is a listing of a few of the hundreds of nonproﬁts to which individuals can contribute their time or ﬁnancial donations during this holiday season — or year round. To see a larger list, visit www.taxexemptworld.com/organizations/lakecounty-il-illinois.asp. College of Lake County — Probation Volunteer Program 19351 W. Washington St. • Grayslake • 847-543-2100 • www.clcillinois.edu The program is designed to reduce recidivism to medium-

3(Far left) Degner has been helping children for more than 20 years. Photo by Heather Nelson 3(At left) He has been the director of the Illinois-Indiana chapter of Healing the Children since 2005. Photo provided

placement, recreation, social rehabilitation and day programming.

Father Gary Graf Center, formerly Holy Family Immigrant Center 510 10th St. • Waukegan • 847-775-0858 • www.holyfamilyfoodpantry.org

The Center for Economic Progress is looking for volunteers interested in building skills, meeting new people and working one-on-one with low-income families to help them move toward ﬁnancial security.

Barrington Area Council on Aging 6000 Garland Lane • Barrington • 847-3815030 • www.bacoa.org

BACOA serves seniors, family caregivers and the community. It is in need of volunteers to serve food and clean up at on-site lunch programs, deliver meals, provide ofﬁce support, provide visitation to seniors and transport seniors.

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association 400 E. Illinois Road • Lake Forest • 847-2830908 • www.glasa.org

5 Jeff Degner looks through a photo album of the kids he has helped through Healing the Children. Photo by Heather Nelson and low-risk probation clients. Volunteers are needed to help probation ofﬁcers every time there is a session.

Lambs Farm Inc. 14245 W. Rockland Road • Libertyville • 847-362-4636 • www.lambsfarm.org Lambs Farm provides vocational and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities, including community job

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The organization provides recreational services, sports and wellness programs and services for physically/visually impaired youth and adults. Volunteer to assist coaches with various weekly programs or join the new mentoring program.

Radigan’s Place P.O. Box 7972 • Gurnee • 847-280-0507 • www.radigansplace.com

Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy is available for at-risk youth and their families. The organization is in need of fundraising volunteers.

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center 4275 Old Grand Avenue • Gurnee • 847-244-1187 • www.ZachariasCenter.org The center provides 24-hour crisis intervention services, counseling and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and

their non-offending loved ones and offers prevention education programs. Donate new items from a year-round wish list or gift certiﬁcates.

Muscular Dystrophy Association 570 Lake Cook Road • Deerfield • 847-236-0687 • www.mdausa.org

Administration assistance is needed for this ofﬁce that supports families and children affected by muscular dystrophy. Volunteers would assist with ﬁling, preparing mailing packets and bulk mailing.

Mothers4Others 343 Grant Court • Libertyville • 847-902-6457

Mothers4Others is a nonproﬁt organization that ﬁnds and organizes family-friendly volunteering opportunities for its members.

Lake County Haven P.O. Box 127 • Libertyville • 847-680-1703 • www.lakecountyhaven.org

This social service agency is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless women and children. The group provides food, clothing and furniture for our residents. Volunteer opportunities include child care, handy people, holiday gifts, meal preparation, welcome baskets, drivers and more.

Underdog Rescue Inc. 40136 N. Circle Avenue • Antioch • 847-421-7599 • www.underdog-rescue.com

The organization is in need of used/new video cameras to enable the group to truly show its rescue animals in their environment for potential adopters. Also needed are used towels; blankets; comforters; volunteers; grant writers; foster homes; donated items for auctions and fundraisers; and more.

F.I.S.T. 213 W. Water St. • Waukegan • 847-672-9924 • www.ﬁstinc.org

Former Inmates Striving Together helps former inmates with fellowship, job networking and creating support groups. Volunteers are needed for its 12-step program, funding and drivers to transport ex-offenders to work. lc

December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

family

All I Want For Christmas

Every

year, I wonder, how early is too early to start threatening your kids with Santa? If it were up to me, I’d keep my Elf on the Shelf up year round as the proverbial “big brother” reporting my kids’ behavior back to Santa, but at some point the novelty wears off. As effective as the threat of no toys on Christmas is in certain instances, there is always the point where I feel that if I really kept track of all the toys I have to cross off their Christmas list for bad behavior, they’d ﬁnd nothing under the tree Christmas morning. I wonder what the reaction would be if they really did get coal instead of a deluxe train set or the latest and greatest talking thing-a-ma-jig that is impossible to ﬁnd and ends up selling for three times its value on e-Bay by the time the holidays roll around. But, despite all my warnings, they really are just empty threats since there are always toys under the Christmas tree. And I’ve found that as the kids get older, they get wiser to this and realize that they can misbehave … and there really is no risk of Santa dissing them. Even more frustrating is that when the kids make up these lists, they are too young to realize that just because it is on the list doesn’t mean they are going to get it. In the months leading up to Christmas, the commercials are littered with all the newfangled toys, and if I had a penny for each time I hear, “Oh, Mom! I want that!” I could pay for all those toys. Inevitably, after all the wrapping paper settles around our living room and they play with each one of their new toys once, the disappointment sets in. I can’t tell you how many times I have had at least one of my kids complain that they didn’t get something on their list. If I could make it faster across the room with all the toys littered about to grab them and shake them, I would. As much as I want to give my kids what LakeCountyMagazine.com

I never had, however, we are adamant about teaching the kids about giving to others, especially to those in need. I feel like I spend just as much time pounding that point into their heads as I do the concept of “Santa’s watching you.” As a child, I never got a ton of Christmas gifts, but I also stopped believing in Santa at the ripe old age of 4, thanks to my older brother. It’s a sad fact, but I’m sure it made it easier for my single mom to give it to me straight about the lack of gifts since there wasn’t all that Santa business to contend with. We’ve had to be careful with how we incorporate Santa into the whole concept of helping those in need, since in our kids’ minds, he visits all the houses of all the boys and girls. So, we simpliﬁed it and told them that people we are giving to are so poor, they don’t have homes for Santa to go to. It is better than telling them that there is no such thing as Santa and discussing various socio-economic statuses. In the end, all we can do is be reasonable with how much we get the kids so we don’t spoil them, focus on how good it feels to give and, in the end, appreciate all the things that with Michelle Stien they have. My hope is that, at least in some • Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom way, my kids understand that despite their of two children, ages 3 and 5. Her undying NEED for a new American Girl doll mother always told her to “write this or Chugginton train set, they will know how down,” so she is sharing her experiences lucky they are that we — I mean “Santa” — with Lake County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.” got those things for them. lc

Write This Down

10 Intriguing People

Meet 10 people in Lake County who lead very interesting lives

High school senior is 4th in history to pull off trick Name: Ariana Koehler Age: 18 Ties to Lake County: Senior at Wauconda High School What makes her intriguing: Koehler is one of four women in the world who can pull off an inverted jump in barefoot water skiing It’s something to be able to say you are one of four women in the world who can do something. Ariana Koehler can say that. The senior at Wauconda High School is the fourthbest individual female barefoot water skier in the world, after doing well at the 2012 World Barefoot Water Ski Championships that took place in August in Waco, Texas. She competed on the U.S. Elite Team — for skiers 17 and older — which placed second overall. She also was one of just four women doing a particular trick in Waco. “This year in jumping, I was doing inverted jumping,” the 18-year-old says. “You basically do a superman off the top of the jump instead of just hopping over it …” “I was the fourth girl in history to do that,” she continues. “It’s really, really exciting.” But the impressive stats aren’t limited to this year.

Koehler and her younger sister, Kailey, have competed worldwide twice before, in New Zealand in 2008 and in Germany in 2010. In 2008, Koehler took sixth place in the junior girls division, and two years later, she became world champion in the same division. That doesn’t even skim the surface of the regional and national competitions in which Koehler has done well. Or the fact that she and sister Kailey also compete as part of the highly-decorated, national champion show ski team, the Aquanuts, where pyramids replace inverted jumps and team members actually use skis instead of their bare feet. Additionally, in her spare time, Koehler and her entire family run the Koehler Girls Ski School, teaching water skiers of all ages the tricks of the trade. The A-student, who also competes in track and is involved in National Honor Society at WHS, is looking to continue her water skiing success in college, perhaps at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she could join the school’s ski program while she studies speech pathology. “It doesn’t stop for us as far as how proud we are,” Koehler’s father, Bob, says of him and his wife, Kami. “[The girls have] put in a lot of work. They work hard

Words To Live By:

Photo provided

“Never settle for being good enough.” — Dante, a ski friend

at it, and the results show. We still don’t make them do it; if they wanted to stop, they could stop, but they still love it … it’s fun.”

Pilot Honors WWII Vets With Foundation Name: Paul Wood Age: 58 Ties to Lake County: Resides in Lake Forest with his wife, Corrine (former lieutenant governor of Illinois) What makes him intriguing: A pilot and lover of aviation, Wood founded the Warbird Heritage Foundation in Waukegan and shares his collection of 10 World War II aircraft as a tribute to those who flew them For his 50th birthday, Paul Wood of Lake Forest flew the perimeter of the U.S. in 30 days with his father in a single-engine bush plane, raising more than $350,000 for Children’s Home and Aid Society in Chicago. “We did it all with just a compass and a map, and we camped out under the wing,” Wood says of his milestone flight. “It was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.” Wood also created Warbird Heritage Foundation in Waukegan in 2003 as a tribute to the World War II veterans who flew them. Growing up in Springfield, Wood loved airplane books and airplane models, and he took a summer job during high school at the local airport, he says. A finance and accounting major at the University of Illinois in Champagne, he later earned a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia School of Business. His career that included roles at

Chicago capital groups until 1993, the year he co-founded Madison Dearborn. Wood retired in late 2006. It was an aerial sightseeing trip about 20 years ago in Wisconsin during a family vacation that renewed his love for flight, he says. So, he earned his pilot’s license and began flying often. He bought an old military trainer, called a T-28, learned to fly it, and then bought more. “The next thing I knew, I had several, and I thought it would make sense to turn [my collection] into a museum,” Wood says, adding he created Warbird Heritage Foundation in 2003. With 10 historic military aircraft in its hangar at Waukegan Regional Airport, the foundation’s objective is to acquire, restore and operate rare, fully operational aircraft with historic military significance. “You can smell the smoke and oil, feel the vibrations of the engine and get the experience of what it was like to fly these aircraft,” Wood says of the air shows, flight demonstrations and search and rescue reenactments hosted by pilots of the foundation. “To me, it’s much more of a tribute to the people who flew these airplanes.” Wood, who invests about 20 hours a week with the foundation, flies a couple times each week and also is one of 14 civilian pilots chosen to fly vintage Navy aircraft for a group called U.S. Navy Tail Hook Legacy

Words To Live By:

Photo by Heather Nelson

“There are no problems in the world, only opportunities to create solutions.” — Anonymous

Flight program. The pilots demonstrate military ﬂight formations in vintage aircraft along with modern day aircraft. More information about the foundation, which is open by appointment only, is available at www. warbirdheritagefoundation.org.

Planning For The Future With Water Sustainability Cassandra McKinney was hired by the College of Lake County this past summer to embark on an interesting adventure. McKinney, 31, spent ﬁve years developing a water resource action plan from the ground up, which outlined the steps the county of McHenry would need to take to ensure it had a safe water supply for its municipalities and residents. Her work came about after a report was written that discussed the possibility that McHenry County could experience water shortages in 2030. Now, she has been charged with creating an educational program at CLC to teach others Words To Live By: how to manage water properly. “The college was interested in creating “To accomplish great a sustainable water program,” McKinney things, we must not says. “Much of northeastern Illinois is Photo by only act, but also Melissa projected to face water supply shortages. Emory dream; not only plan, The College of Lake County saw this as an opportunity to be proactive and but also achieve.” progressive.” — Anatole France As the world moves into the future with a projected population growth of 9 billion people Name: Cassandra McKinney by 2050, McKinney says there could be global water Age: 31 scarcity freshwater concerns. Ties to Lake County: Director of the Green Creating water sustainability, then, means Economy and Sustainable Water Center at the providing a safe, quality supply of drinking water, she College of Lake County says, from reducing industrial and residential demand What makes her intriguing: McKinney is to ensuring that stormwater — the water that runs creating a new academic program to teach others off roads, parking lots and rooftops — is cleaned about sustainable water practices. She also is a before entering ground or surface waters so it doesn’t fourth-generation farmer, works with au pairs and pollute water supplies. teaches ski lessons to children

“I was the water resources manager [for McHenry County,]” she says, “but there wasn’t really a great local training program out there to teach the next generation of water resources managers.” That’s something she aims to change. One of McKinney’s goals is to create not only a twoyear degree program for students interested in sustainable water, but also to create a transfer degree program, certiﬁcate programs, public education and professional development programs for employees at businesses. If that weren’t enough to keep her busy, McKinney teaches ski lessons to youngsters at Winter Wonderland at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin. She also started her own organic community supported agriculture system, or CSA, in which she grew vegetables for others who paid her. For three years, she worked on her fourth-generation family farm in Johnsburg. Additionally, she and her partner, Eric Torstenson, have four children ranging in age from 6 months to 7 years, and so they have utilized an au pair — a livein nanny from a foreign country — for the past ﬁve years. “I like it so much because it’s stable, consistent child care for children, and it’s the opportunity to learn about other languages and cultures,” McKinney says. “For me to be successful in a career, it’s really important to be a dependable professional, and by having a live-in au pair, I’m able to do that and be a good mom.”

Police Chief Aims To Prevent Youth Alcohol Use Today’s youth should be under the influence of their parents, not illegal substances, says Chief Raymond Rose of the Mundelein Police Department. Passionate about his role on the Lake County Underage Drinking Prevention Task Force, Rose says the key to prevention is community involvement. “Substance abuse is becoming an epidemic, and we need to stand together to protect our kids,” Rose says. “It needs to be dealt with county-wide, and that means everyone — parents, kids, teachers, hospitals, faith-based community and media.” With a $125,000 grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the task force will step up initiatives like prescription Words To Live By: drug disposal receptacles, compliance “Children need check and development of after-school to be under the activities and relationships with faithPhoto influence of their based organizations. provided parents, not As co-chair of the task force, Rose substances.” says frequent alcohol-related traffic — Chief Raymond Rose fatalities in the county in 2009 struck him. Name: Chief Raymond Rose “We are losing our kids because they Age: 65 are becoming brain damaged [from substance Ties to Lake County: Chief of Mundelein abuse], and to sexual behaviors and fatal car crashes,” Police Department and resides in Mundelein he says. “It’s not OK that they don’t make it to school. What makes him intriguing: As co-chair of the Lake County Underage Drinking Prevention Task Force, It’s not OK that they’re bringing water bottles filled with alcohol to games.” Rose is in charge of utilizing a $125,000 grant to help Strong community ties are vital for youth, he says. prevent teen drinking, drug use and more

“We need to have our kids under the inﬂuence of their parents, teachers and friends,” he says, noting that when young members of the community advocate for alcohol-free choices, it sends a strong message. Kaitlyn Ellett worked with Rose on the Mundelein After School Coalition from 2006 to 2010 and as one of the students on the Underage Drinking Task Force from 2008 to 2010. She currently is studying in Buenos Aires. “He has attacked [youth substance use] in so many differe nt ways, from changing public policy in Mundelein and all of Lake County to working with a coalition of community members and students to create safe and fun after-school activities for at-risk students in our community,” Ellett writes in an email. Rose was instrumental in championing for House Bill 1554, which results in Class A misdemeanor charges for parents or guardians who provide underage individuals with alcohol. Felony charges may apply if the underage individual is hurt or injures another person after drinking. When police ofﬁcers and community members interact regularly, crime prevention is better, he says. “We need to look at getting proactive instead of reactive so we are working WITH the community to help them solve problems,” he says. “That’s good stuff. That’s what pulls [us] together.”

Former ‘Top Chef’ Contestant Raises Awareness Name: Chris Jones Age: 31 Ties to Lake County: Grew up in Grayslake and worked at various local restaurants What makes him intriguing: A former chef at Moto in Chicago, Jones now is working to replace eggs with plant-based proteins When Chris Jones got the call from his childhood buddy Mike Pruitt that he wanted to raise $10,000 for the Northern Illinois Food Bank in one night — and Pruitt wanted Jones to prepare the meal — Jones was ecstatic. “I grew up in Grayslake, I played football for Grayslake … the teachers and coaches I had there kind of molded me,” Jones says. “So, coming back to Grayslake has been a dream for me. I was honored. For a guy like me to come back as almost a hometown hero, it was a little overwhelming. I never thought I’d be welcomed back by this.” Jones spent six and a half years working at Moto, a high-end Chicago restaurant internationally recognized as a leader in molecular gastronomy, which applies both science and artistry to food. But the 31-year-old started his early culinary days in restaurants close to home. His ﬁrst kitchen job was at Max and Erma’s in Gurnee, and he put in time at That Pasta Place in Grayslake before heading to Chicago. As

his knowledge and skill grew, so did his reputation, and he even became a contestant on television network Bravo’s “Top Chef.” When he came back to The Vine Martini and Wine Bar in Grayslake to help Pruitt deliver a sevencourse meal to 100 diners, he brought some ideas from Moto with him. Included in the meal was a taste of a miracle berry — or mberry — that was paired with fruit and drastically changed the taste of each piece. A lime with an mberry tasted like a lemon; a lemon tasted like lemonade; and an orange tasted like Sprite. Just recently, Jones took his culinary knowledge to San Francisco to work with Hampton Creek Foods on the Beyond Eggs project, in which he hopes to replace eggs in commercial products with plant-based proteins. It’s a cheaper option, Jones says, and could alleviate the stress of egg farmers, noting that in some places, chickens undergo very cruel treatment. “It gives me the opportunity to tell my little girl I did something to help the world,” Jones says of his 2-yearold daughter. “We know that as we go through, there’s not going to be enough food in the next 50 years.

Photo by Heather Nelson

[It’s important that we’re] being very considerate of the environment and the world that we live in.”

Words To Live By:

“If you love what you do and throw all of your passion into it, you never have to work a day in your life.” —Anonymous

Broadcasting Hot — But Clean — Music Name: Maria King Age: 35 Ties To Lake County: Resides in Wadsworth What makes her intriguing: King created her own Internet radio network free of suggestive lyrics and explicit content Maria King, mother of 18-year-old Tori and 11-yearold Alana, had finally had enough. When listening to the radio, she just could not stand the things she was hearing in music — namely all the things she didn’t want her children to hear. “I was just so frustrated with the negative content, the suggestive lyrics, the despair, the violence [in music] … ” King says. “Seriously, you turn on the radio, [and] there’s no respect for the time of day any more. It’s gotten to the point where they explicitly say things out loud. I needed to provide something, a safe place for people to listen to music.” So, she left her job as a guidance counselor at Warren Township High School in May 2011 to pursue a vision she had had since 2008 — creating Chrio Media, a company King describes as “a fresh approach to music and entertainment created in response to the significant influence media has on thoughts and decisions.” In March, King launched Torix Music Network, which includes her own Internet radio station with three separate streams broadcasting the top hits in hip hop, adult contemporary or Christian hip hop music. “At first, I thought I was doing it for teens, and

then I realized it was for the adults, too,” King says. “And actually, even the tweens like it.” “I think it’s so cool because so many Americans have been silently requesting this,” King continues. “They’ve just dealt with what’s in media. I just wanted to prove that it can be provided, and it’s cool.” Shaemia Newsome of Waukegan, a friend of King who also owns a daycare, says Torix Music is right in line with how she and her husband are trying to raise their three children. “When I ﬁrst learned about Torix, I was ﬂoored because I was like, oh my gosh, if I am not the mom in the car — just like so many of us — [who has to say], ‘Turn that song off, you don’t even know what that means!’” she says. “I just think it’s wonderful. If people only understood the power of the songs that we listen to.” Newsome says she’s comfortable letting the children in her daycare listen to Torix music, and — because Torix already has an Android app — she’s able to listen to the live streams no matter where she and her family are. “It’s clean music,” Newsome says. “I don’t have to worry about the types of seeds that are being planted in my kids’ spirits ... it’s something we can all listen to, and there are a lot of popular songs on there.” In July, Chrio Media and the Torix Music Network provided its “Beyond the Beat” music service — hot music without any suggestive lyrics, explicit content,

Photo by Heather Nelson

Words To Live By:

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

violence or despair — for the grand opening —Joe Sabah of Famous Footwear at Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale. And King has bigger dreams. “I would like for it to open up doors as far as consulting … [and] eventually TV and ﬁlm,” King says. “This is deﬁnitely just the beginning.” To learn more, call 847-596-1531 or visit www. torixmusic.com.

Author Honors Firefighters With Seventh Book More than 30 years ago, Gregg Rosenquist watched as firefighters rescued his friend’s father from the family’s burning home in Round Lake. The vivid memory, he says, and pride in his own son’s firefighting career, has inspired him to write his seventh book, “Firefighter 2070: Flashover Point,” and connect with real-life heroes in local fire departments. “He’s always written books, as long as I can remember,” Josh Rosenquist says of his father. A firefighter and paramedic with the Fox Lake Fire Department, Josh Rosenquist says he always thought his dad wanted to be a firefighter, and that his latest book enables him to express his deep interest in it. “Firefighter 2070: Words To Live By: Flashover Point” is about a “The difference firefighter named Braden Photo between using the battling scores of fires provided wrong word as opposed caused by an arsonist to using the right word is intent on killing him. the difference between “The name of the main Name: Gregg Rosenquist character was supposed a lightning bug and a Age: 45 to be my name, but my lightning bolt.” Ties to Lake County: Resides in dad kiboshed it,” Josh — Mark Twain Lindenhurst Rosenquist laughs. What makes him intriguing: As Rosenquist, whose Rosenquist has written a book about pen name is GC Rosenquist, was firefighting in the future that includes “fighting fires inspired by his son to delve into the topic of with foam and sound, 100-ton fire trucks that fly firefighting, it was Gregg Rosenquist Sr. — his father, through the sky and hover like hummingbirds,” and who lives in Gurnee — who tipped him off to science more

fiction. “We had bookcases of science fiction books, and they had the most amazing covers,” says Rosenquist, who also works as a graphic designer. “I always knew I wanted to write stories [about something like] the pictures on those covers.” Josh Rosenquist says the creation process is “long and grueling” for his dad, but that connecting with audiences is rewarding to him. “He loves getting out there [with the book],” Josh Rosenquist says. “He loves the book signings. He loves to hear what readers have to say, and he loves interacting with firefighters.” Rosenquist’s recent book signing of “Firefighter 2070: Flashover Point” — which bears its own striking cover of the book’s hero wearing a helmet and futuristic mask — took place at This Old Book in Grayslake, and members of the Grayslake Fire Department attended, Josh Rosenquist says. Rosenquist self-published his first book 10 years ago, and publishers picked up his other work after that, he says. “Firefighter 2070: Flashover Point” was published by Champagne Books in 2012 and is available on Amazon.com for $4.99 (Kindle). Other locations — and his additional titles — are listed at www. gcrosenquist.com. The author’s current project is what he calls “a collection of sci-fi stories, with a horror bent,” he says. “I call it ‘Nine Lives.’”

Grayslake Student-Athlete Named A Sportsperson Of The Year Good sportsmanship isn’t always displayed by high school athletes in the heat of a moment. A bad call by a referee, a close loss to a heated rival — many circumstances can bring out the worst in an individual. But Katie McGrath, a 2012 graduate of Grayslake North High School, recently was recognized by the Illinois High School Association for displaying good sportsmanship throughout her entire high school career. McGrath was one of seven student-athletes named an IHSA 2011-12 Do What’s Right! Sportsperson of the Year. She received a plaque and a $500 scholarship and will be honored at an IHSA state ﬁnal tournament this school year. “I feel very honored and blessed to get this award,” McGrath says. According to a press release sent Words To Live By: out in September by Matt Troha, “It is not what assistant executive director of the IHSA, happens to you, but “applicants were judged by a committee how you react to it Photo of IHSA staff members based on letters provided that matters.” of recommendation highlighting their — Epictetus leadership skills and sportsmanship, participation in sports and activities, academic performance, application essays and overall involvement in their school and Name: Katie McGrath Age: 18 community.” Ties to Lake County: 2012 graduate of McGrath, who was on the Knights varsity volleyball Grayslake North High School roster for three years and played on varsity all four What’s so intriguing: McGrath was a recipient years in basketball and soccer, was a hard worker, of the IHSA’s 2011-12 Do What’s Right! Sportsperson of always asking her coaches what she could do to the Year award improve, says Tina Woolard, athletic director at

Grayslake North. But it was her attitude toward others that really made her stand out, she says. “Her sportsmanship is amazing,” Woolard says. “She [would] knock you down, then pick you up and say, ‘How’s it going? How are you doing?’ She would always go over and thank the ofﬁcials for the job they do. I wish we had more Katies. It would make our jobs easier.” McGrath, now 18 and a freshman studying secondary education at Butler University, says her high school taught her well. “Whenever I addressed, the refs, I was always very polite,” she says. “I’d always after the game go up to the refs and shake their hands and thank them for coming and dealing with things they may not have wanted to deal with. That’s just the way I was raised and the way Grayslake North taught us to be like.” McGrath was involved in numerous other activities including her school’s Athletic Council, and she says many of her peers made sure sportsmanship was a topic of conversation. “A lot of the athletes were in [Athletic Council, and] we always talked about sportsmanship and tried to make people more aware of it ...” she says. “If you’re surrounded by good sportsmanship, you’re more likely to have good sportsmanship, so it’s good our school is so adamant about good sportsmanship.” “I would say sportsmanship is very important because whenever you play for a team, you represent your community and your school …” she continues. “And it’s just nice because the refs are always thankful when you come up and shake their hands after a game, even if you lost or they made horrible calls.”

High School Junior Is Second Best In The World Name: Kailey Koehler Age: 16 Ties to Lake County: Junior at Wauconda High School What makes her intriguing: Koehler is the second best femail junior barefoot waterskier in the world As the younger sister of Ariana Koehler, Kailey Koehler has always had a buddy to waterski with. That’s also meant she’s always had competition, sometimes in the same age bracket, as the girls are less than two years apart. But Kailey Koehler is just as much a dominant threat to the barefoot waterski world as anyone, as she proved at the 2012 World Barefoot Water Ski Championships that took place in August in Waco, Texas. Koehler skied on the U.S. Junior team — for skiers younger than 17 — and placed second overall with her team. Plus, she placed second overall individually. She then upped the ante and skied individually in the Elite division against girls older than her and placed third in the jump category, making her the sixth best female barefoot waterskier in the world, of any age group. “I had a personal best in every single event,” the 16-year-old adds quietly, noting the events are slalom, trick and jump. Pretty impressive for someone who’s just old

enough to drive. Perhaps just as impressive is the fact that she — and big sis Ariana — missed two weeks of school at the beginning of the year, yet still remains an A-student who also runs track and is involved in WHS’s National Honor Society. Her backround in past world competitions is extensive as well. In 2008, when she was just 13 years old, Koehler placed 8th in the world in the junior division. In 2010, she was 10th. Still, not many people know about her successes. “It’s just our little secret,” she says. “It’s just kind of funny, I think, that some people don’t know. I’ll be like, ‘I water ski,’ and [they’ll say,] “Oh yeah, I water ski, too!’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s awesome, it’s really fun,” [and they say], ‘I can get up on one ski,’ and I’m like, ‘Oh, cool ... .’” “That’s ﬁne, they don’t have to understand,” she laughs. WHS Principal Dan Klett — who was alerted early on that the Koehler sisters would be missing school for the world championships — did make a point to share the girls’ achievements. “Mr. Klett was kind of excited for the girls and gave them a recognition award,” says Koehler’s mother, Kami. “They were in front of the school board and received a certiﬁcate. It was kind of cute because he stood up and said, ‘Just so you know, we don’t have a

Photo provided

waterski team here, but the girls represented the U.S. at a world competition,’ so that was cool.”

Words To Live By:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13

National Award Winner Throws Charity Dinner Name: Mike Pruitt Age: 29 Tie to Lake County: Lives in Round Lake, coowns The Vine Martini and Wine Bar in Grayslake What’s so intriguing: Pruitt hosted a fundraiser at his restaurant, raising $10,000 and giving the entire proceeds to Northern Illinois Food Bank This year, Mike Pruitt was the recipient of three major awards nearly back to back to back. In May, the 29-year-old received a top 10 Outstanding Young Person Award in Illinois from the Illinois Jaycees. In June, he received a Distinguished Service Award from the Lincolnland District Exchange Club. Also in June, he found he had been nominated — and would receive — the honor of being one of the top 10 Outstanding Young Americans in the country as decided by the U.S. Junior Chamber Jaycees. How did those awards — especially the last one — make him feel? “After getting awarded with that, I thought, we have to do something big,” Pruitt says. He began talks with several restaurants and businesses in town, including some who already were helping the community. One owner, in particular, was donating portions of one month’s sale from his business to charity. Pruitt decided to follow the example … but make the stakes a little larger.

He came up with the idea of hosting a fundraiser dinner at his Grayslake restaurant, The Vine Martini and Wine Bar, and donating the entire proceeds to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The details were clear: have all the food and wine donated from other restaurants and businesses, have attendees pay $100 a ticket and invite 100 people. Bam. $10,000 to NIFB, an organization that is able to purchase six to eight pounds of food for each dollar it receives. “Eighty thousand pounds of food in one night is pretty big,” Pruitt says. Pruitt wasn’t on his own. He credits the GLMV Jaycees with doing a lot of the groundwork and helping with press releases for “Dinner for the Cause.” And the dinner itself — a seven-course meal — wouldn’t be cooked by him and his staff at The Vine alone. It was to be in the control of an old high school friend in the restaurant business — Chris Jones, former chef at Moto in Chicago. “When I ﬁrst approached Chris with it, it was, ‘Would you like to cook in my restaurant? What if we were able to raise $10,000 in one night?’ And he was like, ‘Oh, I’m game!’” Pruitt says. Fast forward to Oct. 20, the night of the big event, and Pruitt and Jones had a packed house — and an event that went according to plan. At the end of the night, they presented a $10,000 check to NIFB. “Myself and all the staff were on cloud nine. It was truly an amazing event that we all will remember,”

Photo by Heather Nelson

Words To Live By:

“If you’re not busy helping somebody, help somebody that is.”

Pruitt wrote in an email after the event. — JW Marriott “The next morning, I talked to Chef Jones, and he agreed that we have set the bar for an event that we will continue to do and are deﬁnitely looking forward to it again next year.” lc

Stories by Stephanie N. Grimoldby and Romi Herron

health

HeALTHY Holidays To You How To Avoid Gaining Weight This Season

I By eLIZABeTH HARMON

In February, Emily Rosencrans of Gurnee enrolled in a weight loss program sponsored by her employer and, over the course of the year, has lost 24 pounds. “I counted calories, increased my exercise, cut my portions and made healthier choices,” she says. As the holidays approach, Rosencrans is determined not to gain it back. “For me, diet is a four letter word because I don’t like to feel deprived,” she says. “So, if I want something, I’ll have it but just eat less.” Colder weather is already providing one temptation. “I love carbs, and as it gets colder, I crave foods like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and pasta,” she says. “I have to be careful not to eat too much.” A packed social calendar, ofﬁce treat tables loaded with homemade goodies and favorite

4 It takes 6 minutes of vigorous jumping jacks to burn off the calories in one candy cane, according to myﬁtnesspal.com.

family recipes made snack beforehand can with cream and butter curb your appetite, can pose a challenge for making you less tempted anyone trying to lose to fill up on high calorie For a person who weighs 150 pounds, — or at least not gain temptations. doing vigorous jumping jacks for 1 — weight. Once you arrive, take minute will burn 9 calories. A study published your time before visiting How many minutes of jumping by the New England the food buffet, and jacks do you need to burn off the Journal of Medicine choose the foods you’ll following? shows that while the most enjoy. • One 12-ounce glass of beer (120 average holiday weight “Rather than mindless calories): 14 minutes • One 4-ounce glass of red wine gain is less than two munching on chips, (85 calories): 9 minutes pounds, the weight which you can have • One sugar cookie made from typically doesn’t go any time, make calories prepackaged dough (74 calories): 8 away. count,” Wagner says. minutes “Over time, that “If you’re going to eat • One brownie (114 calories): 13 weight accumulates,” something, make it minutes says Edye Wagner, a special.” • One candy cane (55 calories): 6 registered dietician Don’t forget to include minutes and licensed dietician alcoholic beverages with Source: Calories and exercise info from www. nutritionist with your caloric intake. If you myfitnesspal.com. Exercise times rounded to Northwestern Lake want to have a drink, nearest minute. Forest Hospital. go ahead, but alternate But having a healthy with diet soda or water, holiday is Wagner says. possible … without missing out Hectic schedules and holiday travel also can on your holiday favorites. make eating right a challenge. Wagner suggests eating at home before you go or packing a sandwich to eat on the way. Make Your When the food court is unavoidable, make a Calories Count healthy choice. If you’ve been on “It’s not an excuse to eat fried chicken and a weight-loss plan, French fries, but there are good options you can consider shifting focus choose,” she says. for the holiday season. Instead of trying to lose Freshen Up Your Fitness weight, set a goal to Falling temperatures and shorter days also can maintain your present curb our motivation to exercise. weight. “What we see is that people tend to want “It’s important that to stay home, be less active and settle into we not set ourselves hibernation mode,” says Jennifer Labovitz, medical up to fail, because that fitness and wellness manager at Lake Forest can make us angry and Health and Fitness Center of Northwestern Lake stressed — negative Forest Hospital. emotions that cause Recognize that your motivation to exercise many of us to want to might be at a low point, but instead of feeling eat,” says Wagner. “If guilty, treat yourself to something new, Labovitz you don’t gain, you’re suggests. Sign up for a fitness class, try a new ahead of the game.” routine, schedule time with a personal trainer or If you’re headed out buy a new exercise accessory, like a pedometer to to a social function in track your steps while you shop for gifts. the evening, a healthy

BURN IT OFF

LakeCountyMagazine.com

“There are lots of gadgets and apps to help you stay on track,” she says. Free online tools like those found at www. sparkpeople.com or www.myfitnesspal.com can help you set goals and track your caloric intake and the amount you work off during exercise. At My Fitness Pal, new members complete a profile and establish weight loss or maintenance goals. “We give you a net calorie goal for the day, and you log in the day of what you eat and how active you are,” says Marybeth Thomson, head of business development for My Fitness Pal LLC and the myfitnesspal.com site. “If you go on a walk and burn 300 calories, it will adjust so you can eat more.” The site also offers downloadable apps such as Striiv, which connects to My Fitness Pal accounts and eliminates the need to manually enter information. Smartphone users also can access the site’s database of two million foods to help guide onthe-spot dining decisions. Exercise calculators can provide incentive to keep calories in check. My Fitness Pal’s calorie calculations are based on scientific studies for estimating the metabolic expenditures of various physical activities, and they also allow users to set variables for body size and exercise intensity for increased accuracy. “It’s a very good indicator of what you’re doing,” Thomson says. lc

LakeCountyMagazine.com

Don’t forget to include alcoholic beverages with your caloric intake. if you want to have a drink, go ahead, but alternate with diet soda or water. Edye Wagner,

registered dietician and licensed dietician nutritionist with Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

health

Feeling Blue ... Or SAD?

... Studies are showing less serotonin in the brains of people with SAD. Dr. Adam Rubinstein,

a primary care physician and vice president of the medical staff at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville

I By COLLeeN LeONARD

hose who feel down during the holidays can take heart — many people experience the holiday blues. But if depression is recurring daily at the same time every year, a person may have seasonal affective disorder. SAD is defined as a mood disorder or form of depression that occurs during a season, typically beginning in late fall or early winter and disappearing in the spring. “It is the same as symptoms of depression, only occurring in a seasonal pattern,” says psychotherapist Stephanie Gockley of Youth and Family Counseling in Libertyville. To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must have a recurring pattern of SAD symptoms for at least two years, and the person’s condition can’t be associated with psychosocial stressors, such as job loss, Gockley says. Patients with SAD suffer from major depression or a bipolar disorder, says Dr. Adam Rubinstein, a primary care physician and vice president of the medical staff at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. “Even though our society is filled with stigma and misinformation related to mental health problems and mood disorders, the truth is that the person is not at fault,” Rubinstein says. Studies show that 10 to 40 percent of patients in a primary care setting have significant symptoms of depression, he says, but only 5 to 20 percent meet the criteria for major depressive disorder. Rubinstein says symptoms of the common type of SAD, called fall onset or winter depression, include sleeping more than usual; a larger appetite, especially for sweets and starchy foods; weight gain; crankiness or irritability; and a weigheddown feeling in the arms and legs. The other type of SAD, called spring onset, is much less common, he says, and it begins in the spring and goes away in the cold seasons. Sleeping less than usual, a smaller appetite and weight loss are common symptoms. People with SAD also exhibit symptoms of depression and are depressed nearly every day during that time period, Rubinstein says. Signs of depression are decreased interest in activities; fatigue or loss of energy; feelings of worthlessness; increased feelings of guilt; difficulty concentrating; indecisiveness; little movement or increased movement due to agitation; and thoughts of death or suicide. The causes of SAD are unclear. As with many mental health conditions, Mayo Clinic — a nonprofit leader in medical care, research and education — reports genetics, age and the body’s natural chemical makeup are likely to play a part in developing the condition. Living far north or south of the equator, being female, a family history of SAD and having clinical depression or a bipolar disorder may increase the risk of SAD, according to Mayo Clinic. Lack of sunlight is associated with the disorder. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. “Serotonin plays a big role here because studies are showing less serotonin in the brains of people with SAD,” Rubinstein says.

Mayo Clinic also reports that seasonal change can disrupt the balance of melatonin, a hormone that affects sleep patterns and mood. Rubinstein recommends seeing a primary care physician or psychiatrist to get help with SAD or depression. Treatment for SAD can include light therapy, antidepressants and psychotherapy. Regular aerobic exercise and sun exposure also benefit patients, Rubinstein says. During light therapy, patients sit by a light box during light therapy. A light box emitting 10,000 lux of fluorescent light can be effective and is typically used 15 to 90 minutes a day, he says. During this time of year, health experts say, many people experience some depression or the holiday blues. “It is a common belief that depression decreases during holidays. And it actually does increase,” Gockley says. “It’s a stressful time for a lot of families, particularly with finances and family being around family.” She suggests sharing feelings and doing activities with a support system to get over the holiday blues. “I always recommend talking about things,” Gockley says. “It’s hard to move forward with an elephant in the room — to not be able to express what’s going on and how you’re feeling.” Avoid isolation and stay active to overcome the holiday blues, Rubinstein says, and see a therapist if necessary. lc

LakeCountyMagazine.com

December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

fashion & beauty / holidays

delight

DIAMOND Jewelers share holiday trends With affordable options and creative, artistic pieces in their showrooms, three diamond jewelers share their insights on the brightest and best picks for holiday gift giving. “I’ve never seen diamonds that light up like this,” says Dan Lustig, owner of Lustig Jewelers in Vernon Hills. With 47 years in his family’s business, Lustig now ﬁnds what is called the “meteor cut” incomparable to all others. “From all indicators, this is going to be a big thing for us [this holiday season],” he says. Lustig Jewelers, founded in 1949 in Chicago, has carried the meteor cut since early September, Lustig says. The 71-faceted variation caught his eye at a diamond show last summer in Las Vegas, he adds. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen,” he says. “I just had to choose one that I would actually buy myself, and this is it.” While spectacular and brilliant, they are also affordable, Lustig says. Their origin is Lili Diamonds in Israel, and each stone comes with a GemLab Diamond Quality Report, which is an independent assessment of the size, weight and quality of loose diamonds.

While those facts might be vital to discerning buyers, official reports and classifications might seem overwhelming to a novice buyer. “Buying diamonds can be confusing,” says Chris Tag, owner of Bliss Diamond in Libertyville. “[So], we use analogies that the average person can understand.” For instance, Tag explains, a diamond representative might compare a term like “VS clarity” to something relatable with this statement: “You know it’s nice, but everyone else can’t tell when you’re wearing it,” he says. VS clarity actually refers to Very Small inclusions, which are natural characteristics enclosed within a stone. The less inclusions a stone has, the higher the grade. While minor inclusions can be identified by skilled graders using a microscope, they are not visible to the human eye. What is more recognizable to the untrained eye is the cut of the stone and diamonds in striking color tones — which are also trending for the holidays. The round brilliant cut remains an industry leader, Tag says. “We have seen a big push towards black, blue and yellow diamonds, which are mostly color enhanced but 100 percent genuine,” Tag says. Also expressing distinct shades, a popular present at Bliss Diamond is a ring designed for moms. It features birthstones with diamonds or all-diamond patterns. “Eternity, or commonly called infinity rings, are the most popular gift,” Tag

3 Pictured is a sampling of diamond jewelry available at Bliss Diamond in Libertyville.

I By ROMI HERRON

Photos by MELISSA EMORY I

says. “These are rings with diamonds all the way around and can be done in all diamond or alternating birthstones.” The store manufactures all its products, so such gift ideas are fully customizable and are available in all sizes, carat weights and metal types, Tag adds. “It’s the new craze,” he says. But the latest — and hottest — trend Tag shares is rough cut diamonds. “We’re taking rough diamonds, faceting them and setting in brushed metals,” he says. “This has a very organic look, and the metal is mostly recycled, making these rings very affordable.” Commonly worn in a stackable style, some of the rough cuts are set in rose, white and yellow gold. Le Vian chocolate diamonds — which gained momentum when celebrities chose them — are another trend, according to Lustig. “A lot of very important people wear them,” he says, adding they work well with strawberry gold. Lustig Jewelers carries Le Vian chocolate in rings, pendants and earrings. On Le Vian’s website, Hollywood stars Jennifer Lopez and Rachel McAdams are among celebrities pictured wearing the products on the red carpet. Top picks at Rolland’s Jewelers in Libertyville are the perfectly cut diamonds, according to AnneMarie Marker, store manager at Rolland’s Jewelers. “The most coveted diamond is the

LakeCountyMagazine.com

4“A diamond is like art,” says Chris Tag, owner of Bliss Diamond in Libertyville. “You can enjoy it every day, and its beauty does not diminish.” (Pictured is Cassandra McKinney holding and wearing diamond jewelry from Bliss.)

perfectly cut diamond,” she says. Carrying what Marker says are the three most recognizable brands in the world, Rolland’s Jewelers offers diamonds by Pandora, the Hearts On Fire variety and Charriol, which she describes as “the world’s only patented steel, diamond and gold cable jewelry.” The three jewelers agree that price does not necessarily deﬁne the impact of a diamond. And when asked if everyone can afford one, Tag replies with an emphatic, “Yes!” noting

that various qualities and prices are available. “No one should ever be denied to own a diamond,” he says. With his appreciation for the unique, personal expression of each stone, he explains why he feels diamonds are so coveted and perhaps why diamonds are an ideal holiday choice. “A diamond is like art,” he says. “You can enjoy it every day, and its beauty does not diminish.” lc

December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

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fashion & beauty

GIFTED Matters Memorable Presents For The People In Your Life I By JACKy RuNICe

ill this be another holiday of the “gift card” — those ubiquitous plastic rectangles that show zero imagination? It needn’t be — IF you let your mind move on down the streets of Lake County to ﬁnd and buy memorable, helpful and trés cool gifts for all the people in your life. Take a look at some of the ideas in the area available in a range of prices that say, “You must really love me,” or “I didn’t know you were so clever!” Here are the answers to the ultimate question: “So, what in the world do I get __________?”

The environmentalist?

JJ Blinkers, a joke, magic and costume shop in Antioch, puts a humorous spin on everything, so even the most earnest environmentalists will crack a smile when you hand them in-store freshly roasted cinnamon cashews or pecans. “Since they don’t want the landﬁlls

overflowing, this is a gift that can be enjoyed, is good for you and, when eaten ... the gift disappears! Never anything plastic to see in a landfill!” says owner Joanne Linker. “Or, we have ‘Man Candles’ … unique smelling aromas from sawdust to that new car smell. And when the candle is gone, the tin can be used to recycle your chewing gum.” Big Bowl, one of the few chain restaurants that features seasonal produce, responsiblyfished seafood, natural meats and organic options — including wine and spirits — will thrill any environmentalist. BB even had a cookie maker create an all-natural fortune cookie just for the store, reducing the ingredients by more than half; gone are preservatives and dyes. Executive Chef Marc Bernard grows produce for the restaurants on his farm in Elburn, so the menu is seed-to-table fare, and the children’s menu offers all the good stuff but in smaller portions: no trans fat, no high fructose corn syrup and free refills on milk and juice (but not that woeful soda). The food is delish and reasonably priced, so consider getting a gift

certiﬁcate for some healthy, excellent eating.

The motherin-law?

For the environmentalis t, Bi Bowl created an g allnatural fortune cookie. Photos provided

The holidays can mean an added pressure to look your best. If your mother-in-law has hinted that she has thought about going under the knife but is just too squeamish, consider a gift certificate for a Pellevé Wrinkle Reduction System treatment that offers a quick way to turn back the clock without needles, surgery or recovery time. It softens wrinkles on the face by slowly heating the deep layers of the skin with a warming device powered by advanced radiowave technology to induce collagen stimulation. After just a single treatment, skin feels firmer and tighter with natural results that improve over the following weeks and last up to six months. The treatment takes less than one hour with Lincolnshire Dr. Amy Forman Taub, a boardcertified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology and A Pellevé Wrinkle Find unique stoc Skinfo Specialty king Reduction System stuffer gifts such Skincare Boutique. treatment, avail as bacon-flavored Advanced Derm able at mints Cost is based on the at JJ Blinkers. offers a quick waatology, areas being treated. back the clock wy to turn ith Or, your motherneedles or surger out y. in-law can get any treatment she wants from Mario Tricoci Salon and Day Spa’s menu of spa services, but nudge her toward the Cellular Age Reversal Therapy Facial, which starts at $145. Come on, she’s worth it — she gave birth to your

spouse. Using Juveel, the most advanced vitamin C serum available, and based on 12 years of research, the product features an instant activation system of unaltered vitamin C for deeper skin penetration without any irritation. There’s also a “Warm Spice Mani” for $38 or a “Warm Spice Pedi for $68.” Or, how

about a Tara Aromatherapy Neck Pillow for $38 that relieves shoulder/neck pain with comforting aromatics like clove, orange and cinnamon?

The work colleague or the boss?

For colleagues with a sense of humor, JJ Blinkers offers tons of great office gags, including items such as funny Pre-Filled PostIt Notes and an item called “Borrow my Pen.” These pens have great sayings on them that you don’t want to be caught with. For bosses who can take it, how about a “crushed” ceramic coffee mug that says “anger management,” or Fingerstaches — finger tattoos that can help them change their appearance when they want to hide from corporate? If the boss appreciates cabaret, consider tickets to the Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway “Sibling Revelry” concert coming up in February at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire. These well-regarded Broadway singers performed at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park during the summer, and fans of jazz and show tunes would be thrilled to experience this concert in the intimate Mario Tricoci ha sa venue. variety of stockin g stuffer ideas to You can even add on gift choose from, including certificates for food and beverages. polish refreshers. The boss might like the space so much, he or she may want to book the next office party there — and have you to thank!

38 Lake County Magazine • December 2012

The glamour gal?

You might not expect Miley Cyrus and Meryl Streep to have the same taste in makeup, let alone the identical needs in cosmetics that could make them look and feel their best. Still, most young women adore playing with makeup, and older women may need a little help in maneuvering around the myriad products. Consider a gift certiﬁcate for a full makeover from AmazingCosmetics in Libertyville for any of the colorful gals in the family. They will be pampered in a serene studio by a professional makeup artist. The makeup application costs $45 — bridal makeup application is additional — and the makeover/ lesson takes about 35 minutes. Mario Tricoci in Libertyville offers some reasonably-priced stocking stuffers for this group. Ergo brushes feature bristles that ﬁght static and repair the hair, plus a non-slip rubber handle that is one and a half inches longer than a standard brush for $34.95. Paste 2 — the newest product in the Mario Tricoci Hair Care line — holds and molds the hair with ease and pliability for $15. And a girl, no matter her age, can never have too many polish colors. Get a bottle of Essie for $15.

The nephew?

Most every boy goes through a stage of loving magic. JJ Blinkers has a full magic shop within the Antioch store to set him up with some great tricks to amaze his friends. Other boys might prefer a book full of designed and colored paper airplanes to fold and ﬂy or unique hand puppets. What boy doesn’t love noise? Check out the classic “Cymbal Clanging Wind-Up Monkey” and a monkey that rolls around the ﬂoor laughing out loud.

The athlete or person trying to get ﬁt?

Personal training may be the gift that actually gets your Consider a gift friend or loved one certificate for a fu off the sofa to help makeover or prod ll ucts reach the goal of being available from AmazingCosmet fit and healthy. ics. It can also help the athlete get an edge on his or her competition by boosting speed and agility. Personal training at ProFitness in Libertyville can help the athlete overcome any hurdles that may have been in his or her way on the road to improving his or her athletic skills. The price of each personal training session ranges from $40 to $65 a session depending on the total number of sessions purchased. To lighten the load for 2013 dieters, get to JJ Blinkers for stocking stuffers such as bacon-flavored mints, French fry lip balm or nacho and corndog mints. Or, for those lazy days when your athlete doesn’t feel like working out, the shop offers a “Wind-Up Preston,” a muscular fellow that loves to do push-ups. For sports fanatics, check out plastic flamingos in Chicago Bears colors, Chicago Bears wind chimes and Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks stuff, too. lc

Gifts for those w ho plan to participat e in, or expand, their ex ercise routine are avail able at ProFitness.

LakeCountyMagazine.com

December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

holidays

I By LARA JACKSON I

A Month Of Fun!

No matter where you live in Lake County, there are plenty of holiday and winter-related events throughout the area to take part in. Below, Lake County Magazine shares one event a day for the entire month of December. “I’m so excited and thrilled to present the Moscow Boys Choir,” says Gwethalyn Bronner, executive director of the performing arts center. “I’ve been interested in presenting something different and also a children’s choir at the college — we strive to present cultural diversity.” Tickets are $25 for adults; $24 for staff, seniors and alumni; $15 for CLC students and teens; and $12 for children younger than 12. For more information, call 847-543-2300 or visit jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

Photos provided

5 Dec. 1 — Holiday Walk on Main, 2 to 6 p.m. on Main Street, in Wauconda This annual event brings together families from northwest Lake County, says Ed Lochmayer, committee chairman for Holiday Walk on Main. “You’ll also have fun among hundreds of your friends and neighbors holiday shopping and enjoying various events,” he says. Adults and children of all ages can peruse the many crafters on display or take part in a gingerbread contest and tree-decorating contest. There also will be visits with Santa and a horse-drawn sleigh ride among other fun things to do. For more information, visit www.waucondachamber.org. Dec. 2 — Prairie Spirits Dance Troupe Holiday Concert, 2 p.m. at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 Washington St., in Grayslake Dances will be performed by award-winning faculty and national guest artists. Tickets cost $9 for adults, $3 for children and $7 for seniors. Performances also are available at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information, call 847-543-2300 or visit jlcenter.clcillinois.edu. Dec. 3 — ONGOING: Meet and Greet Santa at Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., in Gurnee Through Monday, Dec. 24, children will have the chance to meet with Santa and have their picture taken with him. For more information, call 847-263-7500 or visit www.simon.com. Dec. 4 — Moscow Boys Choir, 4 “Christmas Around the World,” 7:30 p.m. at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 Washington St., in Grayslake

40 Lake County Magazine • December

Dec. 5 — ONGOING: Letters to Santa, Santa’s Mailbox at the Grayslake Community Park District Recreation Center, 240 Commerce Dr., in Grayslake If your child would like to receive a letter from Santa, drop your letter off at Santa’s Mailbox at the Grayslake Rec. Center by Dec. 7 during regular office hours. Include your return address so Santa can write back. No postage necessary. For more information, call 847-223-7529 or visit www. glpd.com. Dec. 6 — Santa Supper, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cultural and Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, in Round Lake Beach The Round Lake Beach Chamber of Commerce will again host its annual Santa Supper, which will include a fun-filled night of crafts, singing and all-you-can-eat spaghetti. New this year, Santa will bring a few of his favorite reindeer for children to pet and visit. Cost is $6 for adults or $4 for children and seniors. For more information, call 847-546-2002 or visit www. rlchamber.org. Dec. 7 — PREVIEW: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, train will stop at 4:20 p.m., musical entertainment will begin at 4:30, near Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., in Gurnee Get ready to stop by tomorrow, Dec. 8, for a fun holiday event for children of all ages — the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. The brightly decorated train raises awareness of local hunger issues. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable items to donate to a local food pantry. For more information, call 847-5997500 or visit www.gurnee.il.us. Dec. 8 — Dickens of a Holiday Festival, various times and locations, in Libertyville Dickens of a Holiday Festival — which also takes place Dec. 1 — has become a holiday tradition among many. “There’s something for everyone — you can walk around downtown and

view the shops’ windows for the window decorating contest and other fun festivities,” says Pam Hume, executive director of MainStreet Libertyville. “The kids get the chance to shop at the Children’s Holiday Shop where elves help them find special gifts priced $1 to $5, which are then wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree.” A Victorian Tea, which will feature an authentic English tea complete with finger sandwiches and bite-sized desserts, will be set against the backdrop of the stained glass windows at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church. Cost for the tea is $35 a person; to make reservations, call 847-680-0336. For specific times and more information, visit www. mainstreetlibertyville.org. Dec. 9 — Christmas at Gorton: Santa’s Workshop, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois, in Lake Forest Children and adults can enjoy an afternoon filled with Santa visits, carolers, crafts, a magic show and much more. Cost is $10 for children 2 and older, adults are free. For more information, call 847-234-4282 or visit www.lflbchamber.com. Dec. 10 — An Evening With Santa, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Barn at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., in Lake Zurich The whole family will have a chance to spend time with Santa and enjoy dessert and ice cream, make holiday crafts and tell Santa whether or not you’ve been naughty or nice. Registration is limited. The event will continue Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the same times. For more information, call 847-438-5146 or visit www. volz.org. Dec. 11 — Encore! 2 to 3 p.m. at the Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy., in Barrington Eric Lucky will return for an encore performance Holiday Celebration! where he’ll perform holiday selections along with some old favorites. For more information, call 847-382-1300 or visit www. barringtonarealibrary.org. Dec. 12 — ONGOING: Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show, 6 to 8 p.m., 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., in Vernon Hills If you haven’t seen it yet, the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens and the village of Vernon Hills presents its annual holiday drive-thru, which covers 97 acres and has become a holiday tradition for Lake County residents and families. The cost is $5 a car Monday through Thursday and $10 a car Friday through Sunday, from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). For more information and traffic/construction information, call 847-362-3042 or visit cuneomansion. org. Dec. 13 — PREVIEW: Annual Holiday Art Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stirling Hall Arts and Activities LakeCountyMagazine.com

Center, 60 E. Old Mill Road, in Lake Forest Get yourself ready for shopping! Starting Dec. 14 and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 16, shop for unique holiday gifts created by artists, many who are local and have created their wares onsite at Stirling. Items will include pottery, paintings, glass work, jewelry, photography and much more. For more information, call 847-234-6700 or visit www.cityoflakeforest.com. Dec. 14 — Macy’s Presents “Yes Virginia — The Musical,” 7 p.m. at 6 Park School Campus, 400 Townline Road, in Round Lake The Round Lake Area Park District Community Theatre will present this new holiday musical created by Macy’s department stores. It centers around one of the most famous editorials of all time — the answer Francis Church, editor of the New York Sun, gave to Virginia O’Hanlon when she wrote asking if Santa really does exist. Performances also will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. The cost is $5 a person; children 2 and younger are free. For more information, call 847-546-8558 or visit www. roundlakeareaparkdistrict.org. Dec. 15 — Chili and Beer Holiday Walk, 1 to 4 p.m. in downtown Antioch Bring the guys — or gals — and enjoy a sampling of various flavors at the Chili and Beer Holiday Walk, which will include tastings at each location, souvenirs and giveaways. There also will be strolling musicians and carolers. Tickets cost $30. For more information, call 847-395-2233 or visit www.antiochchamber.org. Dec. 16 — Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Magnolia Café and Baker, 14245 Rockland Road, in Libertyville Lambs Farm will present its Breakfast with Santa where you can enjoy a brunch, crafts and activities and a photo with Santa. Seatings are available at 9 and 10:30 a.m. and at noon, with additional breakfasts taking place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9, and Saturday, Dec. 15. Cost is $15.95 for adults; $7.95 for children. For more information, call 847-362-5050 or visit www.lambsfarm.org. Dec. 17 — ONGOING: Visit Santa, at Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center, 122 Hawthorn Center, in Vernon Hills Kids can visit Santa and his helpers from Nov. 16 through Dec. 24 and have their picture taken with the jolly old man at Macy’s Court at the mall. There will be a photographer available; families are not allowed to take their own pictures. For more information, call 847-3622600 or visit www.westfield.com. Dec. 18 — ONGOING: Santa’s Enchanted Castle, various times on Toft Street, in downtown Antioch Children can enjoy a traditional, free visit with Santa from Nov. 23 through Dec. 23, with carriage rides on Saturdays. Horse drawn carriage rides are available when you present sales receipts totaling $25 or more from Antioch businesses. For more information, call 847395-2233 or visit www.antiochchamber.org. Dec. 19 — Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band Holiday Concerts, various locations and times This adult community band will perform four holiday concerts at different dates and times in different locations: LakeCountyMagazine.com

Dec. 2: 4 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, in Prospect Heights Dec. 9: 3 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10 Buffalo Grove Road, in Buffalo Grove Dec. 16: 4 p.m. Hope Lutheran Church, 1660 Checker Road, in Long Grove (jazz band) Dec. 19: 7 p.m. Northwest Assemby of God, 900 N. Wolf Road, in Mount Prospect For more information, call 847-459-2547 or visit www.vbg.org.

Get out and enjoy some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the malls by exploring one of the many trails and preserves in Lake County. For more information, call 847-367-6640 or visit www.lcfpd.org. Dec. 25 — Volunteer, at various food pantries, shelters It’s Christmas — if you have time, why not consider volunteering at some local food pantries or homeless shelters? There are many websites you can visit to ﬁnd a place to volunteer, including www. homelessshelterdirectory.org. Dec. 26 — LEGO Mindstorms Robots, 10 a.m. to noon at Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, in Lake Zurich Using the NXT programming system, participants will build and program a LEGOMindstorms Robot. Registration is required. This program is limited to Ela Library cardholders or students in District 95 schools. For more information, call 847-438-3433 or visit www. eapl.org.

Dec. 20 — Senior Series — Elvis Holiday Show with Greg Rini, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, in Lincolnshire Elvis impersonator Greg Rini will perform a collection of Elvis hits and holiday songs. For more information, call 847-634-3650 or visit www.vapld.org. Dec. 21 — ONGOING: Tour Bass Pro Shops, various times at Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., in Gurnee Cold outside? Need to do something to keep yourself and the kids occupied? Bass Pro offers group or organization tours, and you get to learn some unique history about Bass Pro. Bass Pro at Gurnee Mills also has a Santa’s Workshop for the kids during the holiday season. For more information, call 847-856-1229 or visit www.basspro.com. Dec. 22 — ONGOING: Dickens: 200 Years of Celebrity, Lake County Discovery 6 Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road, in Wauconda “Charles Dickens was really one of the ﬁrst celebrities, and [the Lake County Discovery Musuem has] been working with a local collector who has many popular culture souvenirs,” says Seleena Kuester, museum educator. “There are also many Christmas-related items because Dickens has been closely associated with the holiday.” From Nov. 17 through Jan. 6, 2013, a special expanded exhibit, “A Dickens Christmas,” will be on display for visitors to learn how Dickens inﬂuenced the look and feel of the holiday season through his classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” For more information, call 847-9683400 or visit www.lcfpd.org. Dec. 23 — ONGOING: Carriage Rides, 1 to 4 p.m. in downtown Long Grove, starting at the parking lot outside Village Tavern, 135 Old McHenry Road, in Long Grove Every Sunday in December, through Dec. 23, enjoy a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Long Grove. For more information, call 847-634-3117 or visit www.visitlonggrove.com. Dec. 24 — Explore the Outdoors, various Lake County Forest Preserves

Dec. 27 — Ring in the New Year, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road, in Wauconda Stop by the museum Thursday, Dec. 27 or Friday, Dec. 28, where the kids will learn how the New Year is celebrated around the world and make their own party favors to take home. Free with museum admission. For more information, call 847-968-3400 or visit www.lcfpd. org. Dec. 28 — Noon New Year’s Celebration, noon to 1:15 p.m. at Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, in Lincolnshire This free event is open to children ages 3 to 6. Wear your fancy clothes and come enjoy the New Year a little early with some sparkling cider, stories, songs, crafts and a special countdown. For more information, call 847-634-3650 or visit www.vapld.org. Dec. 29 — ONGOING: “Cinderella,” various times at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, in Lincolnshire A great after the holidays treat for the whole family, Marriott Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic “Cinderella.” The performances run from Nov. 17 through Dec. 31. For more information, call 847-634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com. Dec. 30 — Under the Streetlamp, 7:30 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., in Waukegan Enjoy a night of doo wop, motown and old time rock ‘n’ roll classics performed by the four vocalists who make up Under the Streetlamp. Tickets are $55 to $65. For more information, call 847-782-2366 or visit www. geneseetheatre.com. Dec. 31 — Toukie’s New Year’s Eve Beach Party, at KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort, 1700 Nations Drive, in Gurnee Ride the wave into 2013 at KeyLime Cove. The package includes accommodations in an island-inspired suite or stateroom, admission to Lost Paradise Indoor Waterpark, a stilt walker, face painting, New Year’s Eve dinner buffet, a balloon drop at 10 pm. in the arcade, a balloon drop at midnight on Duval Street, New Year’s Eve entertainment, live music and a New Year’s Day breakfast. Rates start at $299.95 for two. For more information, call 877-360-0403 or visit www. keylimecove.com. lc December 2012 • Lake County Magazine

social life GLMV Women’s Networking Group

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3 Sandra Riordan of Sandra Riordan Corporate Gifts and Dr. Simone Cheskis of Gentle Care Dentistry, stand on the red carpe t.

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d Traci 3 Marcy Diamond an ural Play ug ina the d ste ho s ob Jac ment at for P.I.N.K. golf tourna try Club un Co s od Wo rn ho wt Ha The event in Hawthorn Woods. ,000, $5 n generated more tha breast to ted na do which was lc cancer research.

44 Lake County Magazine • December 2012

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oUr town: LIBERTYVILLE

This Old House

If you travel to Libertyville, you’ll probably see or hear of Ansel Brainard Cook, after whom the famous Cook House and adjoining Cook Memorial Library is named. The influential stonemason left his mark on the village, says Sonia Schoenfield, adult services librarian at Cook Memorial Library and a member of the LibertyvilleMundelein Historical Society. Schoenfield recently sat down with Lake County Magazine Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby to talk about Cook’s impact on the village. LC: Tell me why Ansel B. Cook is such an integral part of Libertyville. Why do we see the name “Cook” all over the village? Schoenfield: That’s an interesting question. He was here a long time ago; he died in 1898. He kind of moved out here from Connecticut in the 1840s, and he started out as a stonemason in Chicago and then moved out here, bought some land, farmed. He was up in Waukegan for a while, taught, but he kind of made his way in Chicago … he lay a lot of the original stone, paving sidewalks in Chicago, and I think he had some things to do with some other buildings in Chicago, although as far as I know, he’s not the Cook that Cook County is named after. He was in the state legislature from Chicago, and then at some point in the ’50s or ’60s, he moved up here to Libertyville, I think because of his health, and Libertyville was known as a healthy place to live. So, he moved

up here and built his house. I think [he’s remembered] because [of] his wealth and prestige in Chicago, and [the Cook house] was the biggest house around. He was kind of the big name, even back then, who lived here in Libertyville. ... He was also a representative to the legislature from Lake County, so he had some state political connections as well, which I think would increase your stature in a community. After the ﬁre in Chicago, he went back to Chicago to help kind of rebuild the city. One of the things that he did help build before the ﬁre was the water tower in Chicago, so his work still stands. In his retirement, then, he lived here in Libertyville until he died. It was part of his will that his house would become a library for the town because Libertyville didn’t have a library at that time. So, he died, but his wife survived until about 1919 — obviously she was much younger than he was — but

she honored his wishes and left the house to Libertyville for the purpose of being a library and a park. The village did have a library collection at that time that was housed in the Village Hall, so after Emily Cook died, the town raised funds to convert the house to a library — [they] put in shelves and everything — and it was named Cook Memorial Library. LC: And is that the library that patrons use today? Schoenfield: That was the house; the library was in the house until 1968, at which time it was way too small. There were bookshelves everywhere, and it just wasn’t big enough for the community, so they built pretty much the nucleus of this [current library] building. We added on a few years ago, but most of the brick part here and the downstairs level was built in 1968. We moved the library into the new building. It’s still connected to the Cook House, and the historical society, which was formed in the ’50s I believe, then took over and reverted the house back into what it looked like when Ansel Cook had lived there. It’s a beautiful museum. So, now it’s open as a museum to him, and the library then still bears his name. LC: So, clearly he is the name that has withstood time in Libertyville. Schoenfield: And the house is one of the things that people connect with Libertyville ... . There is another person … that I think had a lot of influence to Libertyville. He didn’t really leave his name like Mr. Cook did, but Samuel Insull is the one who built the Cuneo [Mansion]. It’s called the Cuneo [Mansion] because Mr. Cuneo bought the land when Insull lost everything in the depression. But [Insull] was a protégé of Thomas Edison, and he started Commonwealth Edison in Chicago [and] built the Civic House. LC: He’s from Libertyville? Schoenfield: He lived where the Cuneo Mansion is now, which was technically part of Libertyville ... [now] it’s part of Vernon Hills. There wasn’t any Vernon Hills then, there was only Libertyville, so if you lived even that far away, you said you were from Libertyville ... . So, Mr. Insull was this big gentleman farmer, had lots of land, built this Italianate mansion, [and] because he was in the electric business, he brought electricity to Libertyville before a lot of other places had it … . When you think about the people that have an influence on a town, there are people who do great things but don’t get their names attached to it; there are people who have great ideas like Mr. Cook and leave their name, so they’re memorialized; and then there are people who build the town, work it, settle it, populate it, and that’s just as important, too — it’s just recognized in a different way. lc

• This is the culmination of Our Town, which has featured a different person, organization, event or historical landmark in a Lake County community on a rotating monthly basis. Check back next month for a new monthly feature that will showcase the talents of local artists.

46 Lake County Magazine • December 2012

LakeCountyMagazine.com