April 2015 theyoujournal

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t he YO U journal www.theYOUjournal.com

Bringing you people & business from

the North Shore & Beyond

Issue VI April 2015

Enterprising brood

Savvy, Smart and Self-Taught

What’s Inside Guess what she does?

Page 11

Local Dentist heads to the Amazon page 13

Please turn to pages 4 & 5 for the story

From left, Johannah, Pela, and Isaiah Schultz in their family store, Zion Oasis. - photo by Tina Johansson

My Mother’s Matzah Balls “Serving the North Shore and Beyond”

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theYOUjournal

theYOUjournal Established 2014

Publisher Long Hwa-shu Hwa-shu@theYOUjournal.com Editor Tina Johansson Tina@theYOUjournal.com Contributing Writers Dr. Jeannie Aschkenasy Alisa Bay Hope Forcier Odie Pahl -

A host of guest writers Please contact us at:

US@theYOUjournal.com 847.293.7028 theYOUjournal P.O. Box 540 Wadsworth IL 60083

www.theYOUjournal.com

Your suggestions, comments and story ideas are welcome.

A Dragon-Tiger Enterprises Publication

April 2015

Green Thumb Lady - by Hope Forcier Spring has finally arrived! All the cheerful daffodils and colorful tulips have put on their brightest and best clothes to pop out and greet the new growing season.

When you look at the lively vibrant display of flowers all over the county you can get some great ideas for next spring.

Spring bulbs are brilliant for the lazy gardener. You plan in the spring, mark spots where you intend to plant your bulbs, place you order, and “forget about it” till your top quality bulbs arrive in the fall.

In September you do the hard work, digging, weeding and planting. The following spring, when your back has finally stopped aching, you have a dazzling display of spring flowers. If you picked naturalizing bulbs, for the next 3-5 years you will delightful display without doing any more hard work.

Too much shade for spring bulbs?

If the shade comes from deciduous trees, you can plant bulbs that bloom before the trees leaf out. These include early daffodils such as; Tete-a-Tete and Jack Snipe, winter aconite, snowdrops, crocus, or pick from the early blooming naturalizing Kaufmanniana and Fosterians families of tulips.

Critters eat your bulbs?

There are quite a few “rodent and deer resistant bulbs”, but if we have a hard winter and the critters are starving, they will eat anything.

One elegant, critter resistant, early, beautiful, fragrant bulb is the Iris reticulata or dwarf iris.

As soon as the snow melts they start to bloom. The 6-inch tall flower appears first, and the 18-inch skinny leaves come later. There are quite a few varieties and colors. As each one opens their petals you see a splash of contrasting color inside.

Harmony has clear blue falls with a bright white feather with a yellow eye. If grown in favorable conditions, dry soil, full sun, they will naturalize slowly. If you dig them up, thin them out and replant every five years, they will go

on forever.

Heavy, moist, clay soil?

The deer and rodent resistant plant for you is the North American native bulb, Camassia, or quamash. These 14-36-inch tall spikes of flowers grow wild in the moist meadows from British Colombia to Northan California.

They also can be found growing wild in Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The spikes have clusters of star shaped flowers that bloom from the bottom up for several weeks in the very late spring. They require year round moist soil, not wet, and can tolerate sun or partial shade. Cammassias come in a range of heights and colors, several shades of blues plus white and cream. The cream-colored C. Leichtlini Semiplena has multiple 32-inch stems each one fills a large area.

Now is the time to plan your 2016 spring bulb garden and try something new.

Originally from England, Hope Forcier now lives in Wadsworth. She is a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension Service Lake County.

Daffodils in their golden glory bloom in spring. - photo by Hope Forcier

theYOUjournal April 2015

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As I see it...

‘Incredible’ Lake Bluff woman makes a difference

by Odie Pahl A number of years ago about the same time that my youngest daughter was graduating from college, I decided it was time to start a new chapter in my life. Time was slipping by and there was so much more to do. I wanted quality instead of quantity and to live to the fullest.

My vision for my life had changed and I wanted my actions to reflect my new way of thinking. I started writing, went back to school, and formed a bucket list.

During this process, I met a wonderful woman from Lake Bluff, Chris Moses, who seems to be light years ahead of me in this process.

We met when we worked part-time at The Present Moment in Libertyville. It was a wonderful shop that brought thousands of people with like-minds together through creative art and books, workshops, and special events.

The eventual closure was disappointing, but a network was formed that is still active today, which brings me back to this incredible woman.

Chris Moses’ journey began in 1998 when her children were ready to be on their own. She too was looking for a new purpose and meaning to life.

Always interested in Native American culture, their beliefs, and practices, she had an apprenticeship with a Cherokee teacher, Grandmother Pathweaver, who taught her about energy work, rites and ceremonies, and healing traditions.

Between 2001 and 2006, Chris studied alternative healing work that included Reiki, Kinesiology, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), while taking leadership training for certifica-

tion.

She was mentored by a licensed social worker in integrating women’s circles, cross-cultural spiritual practices, and western psychology.

Still this was not enough; she wanted more.

At 60+ years old, Chris has completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Holistic Ministries. Now, a Holistic Counselor who offers programs, workshops, private counseling sessions, and circles that bridge psychology with healing traditions from our indigenous ancestors.

She has an office in Libertyville and her home. Recently, she became an ordained minister. Find out more at http://www.chrisfeatherheart.com.

Moses has become quite an activist besides her holistic activities and counseling.

When asked about a project very close to her heart, It Can Be Done, she is quick to explain: In 2006, she co-founded the organization. It is a not-for-profit dedicated to clean water, good health, education, and sustainable economic solutions for the people in Uru, Tanzania. She has traveled there twice to touch base with the people in the trenches, so to speak.

“This organization has created a sustainable clean water system for 3,500 people and this year they are working to develop and expand their next phase of the project which will serve 5,000 Uru people,” said Moses. “This clean water access has relieved some of the burdens of the women who carry the water. The founding of the Acorn Women’s Group and Cooperative in 2011 allows them to pursue additional means of income, through creating beautiful fair trade merchandise.”

To donate or learn more about ICBD, the website is www.itcanbedoneafrica.org.

This is one story, yet there are so many more in to tell. Periodically, I’d like to bring others to you whenever I’m not commenting on life, in general. Lake County is teeming with people who continue to make a difference, places that need to be recognized, and events that need an occasional shout-out. Until next time…

Chris Moses of Lake Bluff, above, recently became an ordained minister.

Above, right, Moses demonstrates sewing on a machine for women in Uru, Tanzania.

Moses co-founded a not-for-profit organization called It Can Be Done which focuses on helping people in this area. -photos courtesy of Chris Moses

Odie Pahl is a life-long resident of Lake County. She and her husband Mike live in the Waukegan/Gurnee area. They raised two daughters and have two granddaughters. She recently finished her BS in psychology, and is set to start graduate studies. Odie writes, dabbles in photography, and reads voraciously.

You can find more about her at her blog http://odiepahl.blogspot.com.

Marriott Theatre celebrates 40 years this month!

Ticket sales to reach the eleven-million mark

by Tina Johansson It is no joke that the North Shore’s preeminent theatre-in-the-round first opened on April Fool’s Day four decades ago.

For much of its operation, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire has been considered the launching pad for Broadway musicals.

Located half-mile north of Chicago in what was a little town by the Des Plaines River, the venue has catapulted Broadway shows into the regional market, inviting locals to get a taste of the Big Apple experience.

The theatre was founded in 1975 by Tony DeSantis, an entrepreneur who started Drury Lane theatres. One of the first performances was the old Neal Simon Play, Come Blow Your Horn.

The Marriott Theatre opened as part of the resort and plays were performed using a “star system.” Early on, Barbara Eden and Phyllis Diller performed there. The method of a star system is to sell tickets using star power, and more often than not, the acting came secondary.

While there were musicals now and again, it wasn’t until 1980 when the theatre went strictly musical. “They got rid of the star system and began producing some of their own shows,” said Terry James, Marriott’s executive producer.

Marriott still leases the land from the DeSan-

tis family, and the theatre itself has been largely untouched in the 40 years, save for renovations to the lobby now and again.

“It hasn’t really changed over the years. It’s still a 28 square-foot slab of cement. That’s all our theatre is,” said James.

A singer who began his craft at the age of 10, James came to the Marriott as a professional actor in 1982. “I had never performed in the round,” he said, adding, “There’s nowhere to hide!”

“I fell in love with the (Marriott) theatre and the whole process here,” said James who lives in Kildeer. “Whenever I had the chance to come back, I’d jump at it. Finally I stayed in Chicago.”

James spent 20 years onstage at Marriott before becoming musical director and associate producer in the 1990s. In 2000 he was named executive director.

Patrons have made the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre the most subscribed musical theatre in the country. “It’s the loyalty of our subscribers that makes us so successful,” he said.

More than 400,000 tickets are sold each year for performances at the intimate, 900-seat theatre. “At some point this year we will count the 11-millionth ticket sold,” said James.

The typical Marriott Theater subscriber is an

educated theatre-goer who sees five musicals a year at the venue. Many are professionals and senior citizens, averaging 57 years old, the same as James is now. And they know the actors and the musicals from the inside out.

There are 24,000 people signed up online where they can comment. “They give me ideas for shows, they post reviews. They like to be very involved,” said James.

Marriott, with its small, live orchestra, also presents theatre for young audiences too. Classic fairy tales (the Princess and Pea is playing through May 3), and original works are presented. More than two million children have experienced the joy of live theatre and about 100,000 tickets are sold to them each year.

“Chicago actors really love doing the children’s theatre,” said James, explaining the actors often give a talk back after each performance.

The lobby outside the theatre was renovate last year. - photos courtesy of Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre

Terry James, executive producer of Marriott Theatre

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theYOUjournal April 2015

Family of 14 makes enterprising seem easy

By Tina Johansson

Home-schooled and hard-working, the Schultz kids build a bright future

The Schultzs of Zion are one busy beehive of a family. They own and operate a small news publication, a variety store, a repair business, and several other ventures.

But it’s not just the commerce they’ve created that makes this clan unique. There are fourteen children in the Schultz family—a large brood indeed – and they are all homeschooled.

Each of them was born at home too, with the exception of Rachel, the eldest, who came into the world at a hospital back in Rochester, New York where the family originated.

The last nine children were delivered by patriarch William, better known as “Will.”

The children of Will and Kathy Schultz, range in age from five to 29, and have names derived from the Bible.

The older children, and some of the younger ones (eight-year-old Isaiah says he plans to become a scientist one day and is happy to explain about the most poisonous of snakes), are outspoken and articulate. And they all appear pleasant, well-mannered and helpful.

Longtime family friend Richard Morrow of Beach Park said the children, both young and old, really are this way. Indeed, others say the same thing about them.

Many may look at the Schultz kids behavior and attitudes in awe, and wonder how their parents did it. The father says there is nothing to it.

“You’ve got to start early with your children.

And you can’t let them do whatever,” said Will.

“You have to lay some rules down, and you have to be there for your children. They have to know there are boundaries.”

That method seems to work as Mr. Morrow explained even the youngest of the Schultzs has the best of manners. Morrow recalled a recent outing with the family at a local diner. Isaiah, Seth and Joshua (a.k.a. The Three Musketeers), each dressed in their little suits sat patiently at the table, where “Thank you” and “Please” were frequent exchanges.

“I asked one of the boys if I could help him cut his food, and he said to me, ‘No thank you.

I know how to do it,’” said Morrow, who was impressed by the five-year-old’s skill and independence. “Even the waitresses lined up and

watched the children in amazement.”

Believe it or not, the more children the couple had, the easier parenting and running a household became, said Will. “With the first one it’s the hardest. You have to change your entire life for your new child. But then the second one comes and it’s easier. By the time we had 10 (children), having another one was as simple as

“I

’m always amazed when high school graduates tell me they can’t do something, because they were never taught it in school. That’s nonsense. You can learn anything you set out to do,” - Ruth Schultz, No. 3

adding an extra plate and fork to the table.”

Everyone in this close-knit group does their part. Some take turns cooking, while others do laundry. Some set the table and wash dishes, while others help out with general cleaning.

Will, 55, and Kathy who is 50, homeschooled the first few. As those kids grew, the older children began to help home-school the younger ones. “We still do,” said Ruth, 25, a talented graphic artist who makes all the ads for

From left, Elizabeth, 23, with some of her brothers and sisters in front of Zion Oasis, the family store which opened four months ago. Sitting in the chair is Hosannah, 11; Joshua, 5; Seth, 7; and Isaiah, 8. - photos by Tina Johansson internet. In fact there are a number of computers in the home, not to mention smartphones.

Elizabeth, 23, the No. 4 child, is pretty skilled in fixing them. She even provided the networking to link all the computers for the family businesses.

“She can fix anything,” glowed Will. “Plumbing, electrical, you name it.” And it comes in handy with the family’s repair business called Sure Fix where Elizabeth is a handy helper.

For years Will was a carpenter who specialized in remodeling. That business is being phased out while he focuses on The Town Sound.

Each of the children have a part in the colorful and entertaining monthly news publication.

A Christmas card from the Schultz family of Zion. Father Will is back center, while mom Karen blends in with the daughters in front of him. The parents home-school all the children and encourage them to learn more as they go along.

Ruth Schultz, 25, is manager of the general store as well as a graphic designer for the family news publication. She also makes and sells custom business cards.

The Town Sound, the family’s two-year-old community publication.

People often ask Ruth where she went to school to learn the trade. “I tell them I learned it on my own,” said the curly, redhead with a ready smile. “I’m always amazed when high school graduates tell me they can’t do something, because they were never taught it in school. That’s nonsense. You can learn anything you set out to do.”

The kids say it’s their father who instills in them that nothing is impossible if you work for it.

The Schulz children often get involved in community events including spelling bees and 5k run fund-raisers – both of which they excel in.

Interestingly, it wasn’t long ago that the Schultz kids got their first experience with computers.

In 2007 father Will got a home computer and the kids began playing around with it. Sure, they had plenty of books to read and visited the Zion-Benton Public Library often, but they had never touched a PC before this.

Today, many of them are familiar with the way computers work and are proficient with the

Elizabeth shows how difficult it can be when remembering the names of the boys when their father gives them haircuts.

Continued on page 5

theYOUjournal

Schultz family - Continued from the previous page While Will is editor-in-chief, daughters Johannah, Rachel, Rebekah, Ruth, Elizabeth and Kath are writers and editors. The others including Judah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Pela, Hosannah, Isaiah, Seth and Joshua help with bagging and delivery.

In the meantime, Rebekah, 27, the second oldest, has started her own businesses called Writing Right Words, to help people with letter-writing.

Another family business is Zion eZone, an online selling and buying site which is doing quite well. Elizabeth is manager and Ruth is assistant manager.

Ruth is manager of the family store – Zion Oasis, located at 2722 Sheridan Road in Zion, downstairs from where the family lives.

Zion Oasis is similar to a store the family previously had which was called “My Father’s Business.” They expanded it to make room for more merchandise which includes thousands of items. Clothing, organic groceries, books, toys, movies, tools and gently used items are sold here.

The place is a rarity – a true Mom and Pop store – in a world where big boxes seem to have taken over.

Some of the family members are also employed outside the home including Rebekah who works in the gift shop at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion.

Soft-spoken and sweet, mother Karen takes care of the clothing section at the store. It is stocked with one hundred pairs of blue jeans and other clothing items. Amazingly, she looks nearly young enough to be one of the girls.

The family swears by a healthy diet which consists of fruits and vegetables (some of which they grown on their rooftop garden), and whole grains.

“But we’re not vegetarians,” said Rebekah, adding that fish is among their staples.

Each day Karen bakes fresh bread for the family – using whole grain wheat that she freshly mills. The healthful wheat berries high in protein and vitamins are available in several varieties at the family store.

And though it has a hint of sweetness, there is no sugar in it. The family frowns upon processed sugar and avoids it whenever possible.

“I think (the youngest children) wouldn’t like it if they had it,” said Karen. “They get natural sugar from the fresh fruit we eat.”

Interestingly, oldest daughter Rachel and son Judah work at the popular Cake Box Bakery and Café next door, selling doughnuts and pastries.

And while the apartment upstairs has only one full bath, Will says “It’s big enough. We have a second toilet in the store, but no shower there.”

The older girl said they don’t have a problem with bathroom time. “I think it helps that we don’t wear makeup (and don’t have to spend time applying it),” said Rebekah. Whether it’s their lifestyle, their wholesome diet, or their genes, the girls are fortunate enough not to have to wear makeup.

Asked if they had plans to get married and have a brood of children themselves one day, Rebekah declared that a good man would have to come forth first. Ruth and the other older daughters said they would of course want many children. Father Will interjected that they could take their time, as he wouldn’t want to force them out just yet.

Mr. and Mrs. Schultz, a deeply spiritual couple, said the number of kids in their family is a blessing from God. “I thought, why would you want to limit your blessings?” said Will.

When mom Karen was asked if she would like to have more children, she giggles and smiles.

Will said he tells people that ask, “The oven has stopped.”

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How the Schultzs make the bread

Above, left are the delicious whole-wheat rolls the Schultz family enjoys daily. Mom Karen, above shows a bag of the hard whole wheat berries used which are available in the family store.

Left, daughter Rebekah demonstrates the size of the mill used to grind the flour. You can’t get it any fresher.

Making bread for the Schultz’s is a daily ritual. Becasue there are 16 people in the family, everything is done on a large scale. The bread is made in a triple recipe.

The ingredients: *Freshly milled 100-percent Whole Wheat Flour *Active Dry Yeast *Salt

*Warm Water *Oil (olive, canola, or preference) It takes about a half-hour to prepare dough.

Mix dry ingredients first, then warm water to activate yeast, and then oil. Mix dough, adding flour until dough starts to form a ball.

Continue kneading in flour as necessary. Dough should be

smooth and elastic.

Let rise for about one hour.

(This depends on the temperature of where it’s rising, however. In the summer, rising is much faster.)

After bread has risen to about twice its size, punch dough down, grease trays, and begin making your rolls.

The Schultz family uses large

cookie sheets to make rolls (the dough for rolls is slightly smaller than the size of a baseball). Flatten onto tray.

Let rise for another ten minutes or so (again - depends on the temperature of where they are rising).

Bake at 350-375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Members of the Schultz clan in their family store in Zion. From left is Elizabeth, Pela, father Will, Johannah, and little Joshua, the youngest. The store offers all kinds of items including books, toys, jewelry, tools and knick-knacks, as well as clothing and organic food.-photos by Tina Johansson

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theYOUjournal April 2015

Mr. Bamboo expands via franchising

by Long Hwa-shu Steven Wang, the founder and owner of Mr. Bamboo, which specializes in bamboo flooring, is looking to expand his business through franchising.

His company which he founded in 1998 after years of experience in the building industry in China offers a strong, durable alternative to wood flooring. Bamboo, he noted, has been widely used as a building material in the East for centuries and is gaining followers in the United States through his enterprise.

He named his company Mr. Bamboo, now headquartered in Bensenville, because he has long been affectionately known as Mr. Bamboo by those in the industry including builders and architects, and, of course, by home-owners who bought his products.

Bamboo is harder than red oak and 80 percent harder than maple, according to Wang. His BamLoc is reputed as the first 100 percent solid strand-woven, pre-finished self-locking floating system which, he said, can be installed on any type of sub floor and perfect for radiant heat installation.

With his success in introducing bamboo flooring in America through retail, Wang, ever the entrepreneur, is ambitious to establish a chain of franchises. He is accepting applications for prospective franchisees in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

“I believe franchising will contribute directly to Mr. Bamboo’s growth and success,” said he confidently.

“Bamboo has been used as a building material for thousands of years in the East. It is sustainable, environmentally friendly and comparable in quality and price to wood flooring,” added Wang , hailed from Shandong province in China where he had worked as an architect, project manager and vice president for a developer before coming to America.

Not just for flooring, bamboo, because of its strength, resilience and versatility, has been used for sporting goods, furniture, curtains and eye-opening scaffolding – not to mention the fact that bamboo shoots are a delicacy and likely to be eaten with bamboo chopsticks.

Bamboo, of course, is the main diet of the giant pandas. New uses include as a material in textiles. A bath towel, made from bamboo, is unbelievably soft, absorbent and luxuriant. By the way, bamboo is often the subject of traditional Chinese painting and poetry.

Mention must be made there are different varieties of bamboo. The species used for flooring is not the same as the kind that serves as the diet

for pandas. It is known as “Moso,” which Mr. Bamboo uses for its flooring products.

One of the main virtues of bamboo is that the bamboo tree is fast-growing and it takes much little space, compared with a timber tree. A bamboo tree is tall and narrow with not extending branches.

“It takes five to six years for a bamboo tree to grow to 80 feet, whereas it takes as long as 90 years for an oak to reach full maturity,” Wang pointed out.

Convinced that a market exists in America for bamboo flooring, he started Mr. Bamboo first in Elk Grove Village with a showroom, a warehouse and later a distribution center, dealing mostly with flooring distributors. He later found out that distributors often lacked the knowledge of bamboo products and did not have welltrained staff to handle installation. So, in 2007 he decided to bypass them - leap-frogging to retailers instead , thereby eliminating the cost of the middleman as well.

As result of the change, Mr. Bamboo one time boasted a retail network of more than 200 outlets across the country, plus direct sales to businesses and home-owners.

But Wang felt that franchising was the ideal way to expand his business. To translate that into action, he is sending out a message to prospective candidates, reminding them of the hard work involved in owning a business and the importance of team work.

“We have found that operating your business with integrity is the key to success,“ said Wang who is active in several trade organizations including the U.S. Green Building Council and the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago on which he serves as a board member of its Green Building Council.

To make customers happy, he advised his future franchisees: “Do not avoid difficult tasks such as calling customers who are unhappy or installers who have done a poor job. Be honest and forthright and approach difficult situation with a pleasant disposition. Be truthful and do what you must to fix anything that must be fixed.”

As he stressed time and again,”Business needs to be built on the principles of honesty and integrity.”

To find out more about Mr. Bamboo flooring or to learn about becoming a franchisee, visit www.MrBambooFlooring.com or call 630.227.6600.

Bamboo is not a tree. It is classified as a grass, and is denser and stronger and wears better than most hardwood. It takes 5 - 6 years to grow and harvest an 80 foot tall bamboo stalk, as opposed to more than 30 years for an oak tree to be harvested.

Examples of some of the bamboo flooring available through Mr. Bamboo. - photos courtesy Mr. Bamboo

Design Quartet can help organize, update and beautify your home

Design Quartet at Rivinia recently celebrated its first year in business, and a very successful one! Located at 595 Roger Williams in Highland Park, the business has designers that specialize in kitchen and bath renovations.

The business also has extensive experience with complete home interiors, as well as doctor’s and business offices in the North Shore, Chicago, and the suburbs.

They can help with your Spring design ideas and projects including installing a mudroom or laundry room cabinets, and add style and organization, adjusting a paint color to make space seem larger, and replacing bathroom sinks or cabinets to make an old room look completely new! Visit them at http://www.designquartetatravinia.com

The designers at Design Quartet in Highland Park. - photo courtesy of Ripple Public Relations

theYOUjournal

April

2015

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Local Business

Electronic service keeps medical records available at all times

by Betty Nicholas Electronic Medical Health Information Exchange (EMED) is a recently launched web portal which enables the user to have immediate access to their entire health record.

Emergency medical information is in PDF form on a credit card size flash drive through a USB port on any device connected to the Internet. The card can be carried in a wallet or purse.

The entire medical record is password protected on the portal.

Being sure a physician has all the current, pertinent health information available for consultation while treating patients has been an ongoing problem.

Most patients have more than one doctor, their primary physician plus specialists; and many of their tests and medications apply to more than one medical situation.

Portions of a patient’s medical record are scattered over several medical offices and often result in repeat tests and confusion regarding current medications.

In fact, statistics show that 50-percent of medical tests conducted are repeated due to missing or incomplete information.

The service EMED provides can be especially helpful for those with chronic health issues, frequent business travelers, kids and anyone looking to lower their health care spending by avoiding unnecessary expenses.

It allows patients and physicians to make informed decisions and utilize the latest technology for treatment in emergencies.

EMED was developed by Lake in the Hills resident Adnan Baig, Vice President of IT Development for Saaytech, a company that focuses on the use of Information Technology to provide enhanced health care.

He said, “I have a heart condition. So does my son who is away at college. My wife has been terrified he will have a medical emergency while away, may be unconscious and not able to communicate.

The first responders will have no way of

knowing about the heart condition and this could affect the treatment he receives”. EMED is the result of this concern.

Now it is possible for a consumer to provide vital statistics such as heart rate, pulse, body temperature and skin humidity level in real time and have the power to trigger immediate treatment based upon that information.

It is estimated that an average Medicare patient with one chronic condition sees seven doctors per year. A chronic condition is a condition that is treated for more than three months.

Today there are more than 100 million Americans with a chronic condition, and it is expected that within the next year, 70 million Americans will have multiple chronic conditions.

They represent roughly 75 percent of the healthcare spending in the United States.

EMED can actually help reduce these numbers.

For more information about EMED, visit www.emedhie.com.

EMED founder Adnan Baig

The son of a Pakistani immigrant, AdnanBaig served in the U.S. Army in logistics for seven years. After that he moved to Chicago where he enrolled at DeVry University and earned a B.S. degree in telecommunications. He later worked for over 15 years for several global companies in information technology.

He lives in Lake In the Hills with his wife Shazia. They have two children – Ahmed, 20, and Yusra, 14.

Baig is a passionate cricketer and volunteers as a coach for Libertyville Youth Cricket Association, teaching children.

Highland Park resident named Executive Director of Lake County Community Foundation The Lake County Community Foundation today announced Jon H. Teeuwissen as the Foundation’s new executive director.

Teeuwissen of Highland Park, joins the Foundation with expansive leadership and management experience, as well as a strong commitment to the Lake County community.

During more than 35 years in the nonprofit sector, he has held senior management positions with such prestigious organizations as American Ballet Theatre (New York) and the Dance Theater of Harlem.

Teeuwissen is widely credited for three financial turnarounds: the New Orleans Ballet Association, Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet, and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. A significant piece of his strategy for success has been a commitment to community engagement and the creation of task forces to engage and empower specific demographics.

As executive director of the New Orleans Ballet Association, Teeuwissen launched a partnership with the New Orleans Recreation Department that offers free dance training to

inner-city youth. As executive director of The Joffrey from 2001-2008, Teeuwissen significantly expanded education outreach efforts and after-school programs.

Most recently, as president and CEO of the California Center for the Arts (North San Diego County), he created new partnerships and collaborations with a particular focus on community involvement and outreach to the local Hispanic population.

“Jon has a proven track record of adapting and enhancing programs to meet the needs of diverse communities, and we look forward to his leadership in Lake County,” said Anne W. Reusché, foundation chairwoman. “His history of moving organizations from good to great truly makes him the leader who meets the Foundation’s aspirations for the future.”

“Lake County is where I live – it’s my community, where I’m invested,” said Teeuwissen.

“I look forward to connecting with the Foundation’s many grant recipients, donors and partners, and collaborating to make the region stronger.”

Northwestern Memorial HealthCare earns top honor for employee support For the third consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare has earned the WorldatWork’s Alliance for Work-Life Progress (AWLP) Work-Life Seal of Distinction for work-life initiatives at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Medical Group.

This designation recognizes employers that support employees in achieving success both at work and at home through effective workplace strategies and practices. Northwestern Memorial HealthCare was among 77 organizations nationwide to earn the seal of distinction.

“This designation highlights the important workplace programs, policies and practices that

support our working families,” said Dean L. Manheimer, senior vice president of human resources at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.

Among examples is the hospital’s flexible work schedules, community involvement, support for working mothers, health and wellness programs and financial supports including 401(k) employer match, tuition reimbursement and more.

To receive the Work-Life Seal of Distinction, applicants were evaluated on the breadth and depth of their work-life portfolio and provided evidence of their support in seven areas.

Jon H. Teeuwissen, new executive director of The Lake County Community Foundation Since its founding in 2003, The Lake County Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Chicago Community Trust, has contributed more than $2.5 million to 80 nonprofit organizations that support basic human needs, community de-

velopment, education and health throughout the county. Teeuwissen will provide critical oversight and strategy as the Foundation addresses its top priority to build its asset base for accelerated grant making.

Teeuwissen received both a Master’s of Science in Management and a Certificate in Public Management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and his Board of Regent’s degree from West Virginia State University. His civic engagements include serving on the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park.

“The region is tremendously fortunate to have someone of Jon’s caliber assume such an important role,” said Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust.

“We look forward to collaborating with Jon and his team to continue the work of building a community foundation that is highly responsive to the needs of Lake County.”

Summer jobs available at Clerk of the Circuit Court Want a summer job?

The office of the Clerk of the Lake County Circuit Court is looking to hire 10 full-time paid interns under its New Initiatives Internship program.

“Interns in our office will be doing meaningful work,” said Keith S. Brin, the clerk, in announcing the 2015 summer internship program which offers college undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain experience and exposure to public service and government.

The internship will be a hands-on experience,

he stressed, “Not only does internship provide a chance for college students to earn money over the summer, but it also provides them with exposure to people, places and a professional work environment that will, ultimately, give them a truly competitive edge in the job market,” Brin added.

He said the success of last year’s program has prompted him to increase the number of interns to ten this year.

Applications are available on the circuit clerk’s website: http//www.lakecountyil.gov/CircuitClerk/Pages/default.aspx.

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theYOUjournal April 2015

Dog People

Curly-Coated Retriever becomes our new Family Member

by Hope Forcier In the fall of 2014, our beloved dog Jenny, passed away. She was 15, and had lived a good, long life.

We spent four long weeks living with an empty sad house then we decided it was time to look for a puppy to fill the void left by Jenny’s departure.

Before Jenny passed, I had watched a show on Animal Planet about Curly-coated Retrievers. It made me curious enough to do some research, which I filed away in the “interesting” file.

I began looking on-line to find “curly” pups ready for adoption. It wasn’t easy as there are less than a dozen registered breeders in the USA. I finally found some curlies available in the Allegheny Mountains of New York. After talking with the breeder we decided to take a road trip, and picked up our new family member. We named her Hanna.

Our little chocolate-colored Hanna was one of a litter of twelve. The dog household and kennel consisted of several adult curlies. The other dogs ranged from a calm Great Dane, to a bossy, rambunctious Jack Russell terrier. All this canine company explains why Hanna is comfortable when meeting other dogs.

Hanna lives up to her breed’s standard in trainability and playfulness. At only 6 months of age, she comes, stays, sits, and retrieves

beautifully---in the house. Outside she is easily distracted. If a worm moves four feet underground, or if a leaf blows across the snow, Hanna is off like a rocket.

According to the American Kennel Club web site, the standard height for the curly-coated retriever breed is 23” - 27” at the withers. Their weight is between 60 100 lbs.; the larger dogs being male. The curly is an elegant, agile, athletic, reserved water dog.

The coat is a thick mass of small tight crisp water resistant curls lying close to the skin. Their forehead, face, front of the forelegs and feet are all covered by short smooth hair.

Curly-coated retrievers are either black or liver colored. Their face and feet have naturally short hair and consequently do not need clipping.

The only shedding is when they “blow their coat” (seasonal shedding) once or twice a year.

The rest of the time there is no shedding, which is a big plus.

Nona Kilgore Bauer, in her book “Curly-Coated Retriever,” tells us that curly-coated retrievers are believed to be the oldest of the retriever breeds with references in books and paintings that date as far back as the 15th century.

There is some debate as to who came first— the St. John’s Newfoundland, the tweed and Irish water spaniels, poodles, and curlies were all evolving at the same time. But as the curly is the only one named for its coat, some people

Hanna, a lovely Curly-coated Retriever at four-months old. Above, left, baby Hanna shortly after her new parents adopted her. She still has the piggy toy in the picture, albeit filthy, said her mom. - photos courtesy of Hope Forcier believe it was the first.

The curlies were the first retriever in England to be exhibited as a show dog in 1860.

They were considered a “working mans dog” and a favorite of both the game keeper and the poacher, valued for its intelligence, perseverance, endurance and calm, quiet demeanor.

Curlies are discriminating barkers they will

bark at something or someone new but they know when to stop. They are loyal, affectionate, and athletic companions, yet, somewhat aloof with strange people. As far as the curly is concerned all people are strange. Curlies need to be socialized when young, and they do get on well with other dogs.

Lake County Pet Vaccination Clinics The Lake County Health Department will be conducting its annual pet vaccination clinics at several locations in April.

On April 18 the event will take place at the Lindenhurst Police Department, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Call 847.356.5400.

On April 25 a pet clinic will be held at the Vernon Hills Public Works Building, 490 Greenleaf Drive from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Call 847.362.4449.

Cash only is accepted at the pet clinics.

For pets spayed/neutered a 1 year rabies vaccination and Lake County tag is $20; and a 1 year rabies vaccination, distemper and Lake County tag is $25. A distemper complex only is $10. Microchip is $15.

For pets NOT spayed/neutered a 1 year rabies vaccination and Lake County tag is $60; and 1 year rabies vaccination, distemper and Lake County tag is $65.

Distemper complex only is $10, and microchip is $15.

Quotables For Earth Day - April 22 “Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth,” ~Henry David Thoreau, American author, poet and philosopher

theYOUjournal

April

2015

9

Fond memories: Family recipe kept alive Matzah balls the way Mother used to make

by Jeannie Aschkenasy

I didn’t know my mother’s German matzah balls were special until I tasted other matzah balls, and guests at our Passover table started asking us for her recipe.

Most traditional matzah balls are light and fluffy, pale in color, and not distinctive in flavor. My mother’s matzah balls are heavy, and speckled with chopped parsley and the brown edges of matzah.

Every spring, as Passover and Easter rolls around, I begin preparing my kitchen for Passover and our family tradition of making my mother’s matzah balls.

As a little girl I watched my Mom make them. Her hands were always full of batter as she rolled the balls on a piece of wax paper with matzah meal sprinkled on it, before dropping the balls into a pot of boiling water.

Then we would watch and wait - for the balls to magically grow in size, and float from the bottom of the pot to the top. That was when they were ready.

Now, when I make my mother’s matzah balls in my kitchen, it is as if she is there, with me. And while I miss her terribly, I always feel her presence in my kitchen.

My mother was never very good at following recipes – she would add a little here – and a little there – and so, each year, when I take out her Passover cookbook, I try to follow the recipe as she once did. In addition, when she did write notes, her combination of English and German writing was extremely difficult to read.

I have tried to quantify the ingredients for matzah balls (whether making 40, or 120, or 160, or as this year, 220) – but it is a difficult task, as I never know whether the proportion of ginger to salt to eggs to matzah and matzah meal is correct.

My siblings, their spouses, and our families live in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles. We used to celebrate Passover at my mother’s home in New York, but since her death, 22 years ago (our father died 6 years before her), we rotate host cities and homes, and we get together to celebrate Passover every year.

Since my mother’s death, I have been making matzah balls for my family, joined by my children and nieces and nephews.

Now, when we are at the Passover table, we all sing some of our father’s tunes, and eat some of our mother‘s food.

They are present with us, and as our family grows, so too does our Passover table.

This year Jeannie Aschkenasy made more than 200 matzah balls using her mother’s recipe.

A bubbling pot of Mother Aschkenasy’s matzah balls.

Photos courtesy of the Aschkenasy families

The New York Daily Mirror, a newspaper no longer in existence, shows Marion Aschkenasy in 1940, a new resident on her recent arrival. A question remains about the baby in the photo who family members thought had died previously in Ecuador. “It’s a mystery,” says Jeannie.

Above, Paul and Jill Aschkenasy of Philadelphia (Jeannie’s nephew and niece) host a Passover Seder.

Left, Jeannie’s mother, Marion Bernheim Aschkenasy at her 70th birthday celebration in 1985, joined by sons Peter and Bob Aschkenasy.

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theYOUjournal April 2015

Mind, Body and Soul

Inflammation: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly by, Carol D’Anca, MS, LDN, CNS Inflammation is our bodies’ natural healing response to trauma from injury or the invasion of bacteria and viruses. We’ve all experienced temporary inflammation when healing from a cut, an injury, or infection. This kind of inflammation is good. We need it for healing and as a defense system.

However, too much or ongoing chronic inflammation isn’t always good and increasing evidence shows us that continued low level inflammation in the whole body is the underlying cause of many chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes and obesity.

You may be wondering what causes inflammation; the list is relatively short and easy to understand. At the top is poor diet consisting of sugar, refined flours, processed foods and inflammatory fats such as trans and saturated fats.

These foods are wreaking havoc in our digestive system causing damaging inflammation to healthy organs and tissues.

Additional causes of inflammation are lack of exercise, stress, hidden allergens from food or the environment, chronic infections and the toxins and pesticides in our food.

There’s no need throwing up our hands and feeling helpless because there is something we can do about it. Inflammation can be addressed with the powerful phytonutrients of a whole foods, high fiber plant based diet that is naturally anti-inflammatory.

A recommendation that I always give my clients is to choose foods that do not have a label; that means copious amounts of vegetables and fruits, organically grown whenever possible, mainly berries in the fruit category, and whole grains. Skip anything that comes in a box for improving your health.

Another big step in the right direction for addressing inflammation is eliminating saturated fat in animal products and trans fat which is chemically induced when high heat and hydrogen is added to oil.

Observational studies show a direct correlation that both trans and saturated fats are significantly related to the immune response of inflammation.

Additional effective ways for reducing inflammation are regular exercise, relaxation for the whole body through yoga or meditation, avoiding allergens (gluten and dairy can be particularly problematic) and making sure our “gut biome” is healthy by adding probiotic foods (fermented foods) to the diet.

Want to know if you are affected by inflammation? Two blood tests for highly sensitive C-reactive protein and homocysteine are the simplest and best diagnostic tools currently available to assess inflammation and can be ordered through your physician.

CRP (aroC-reactive protein) is a marker of inflammation and a risk factor for arterial disease. An optimal value is less than 0.8 mg/L. Homocysteine is an inflammatory protein that, if elevated in the blood, is a proven independent risk factor for heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. An optimal value is less than 6.3.

Carol D’Anca on a cooking expedition in Seiano, Italy is flanked by other chefs.

Each year she hosts a tour of the Amalfi Coast where visitors learn to cook healthy Mediterranean food. - photos courtesy of Carol D’Anca

Yes, you can eat delicious and healthy, says D’Anca. Check out her blog and recipes at www.foodnotmeds.com.

Licensed dieticwxian Carol D’Anca believes in a plant-based diet to improve health. Left, are roasted vegetables prepared in one of her cooking classes.

Carol D’Anca is a licensed dietician nutritionist certified by the National Board of Nutrition Specialists. She earned a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Nutrition at Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine/Chicago Medical School and is the author of “Food Not Meds,” her story of navigating through the American medical system before deciding on a plant-based approach to health. True health, she discovered, begins in the garden and in the kitchen.

Dedicated to preventing and reversing heart disease, she is the founder and organizer of the Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Meet up group in the Chicago area which has been meeting on a monthly basis for the past three years.

D’Anca has a private practice and is a popular speaker at community events and clinical settings, and is frequently consulted for her expertise.

She has initiated The Academy of Plant Based Nutrition Cooking School where she teaches the principles of plant based, nooil nutrition, and culinary skills. She has developed recipes raising the level of plant based foods to “plant based gourmet.” The school has brought together a community of like-minded individuals.

For those wishing to immerse themselves in the lifestyle and dietary habits of a culture of people who live long and purposeful lives, D’Anca hosts an annual trip to the Amalfi Coast of Italy. The tours permit individuals the unique experience of briefly living a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle where the rhythm, community and food all come together in a very healthy way.

For more information about Carol D’Anca, her recipes and blog please visit www.foodnotmeds.com.

Can’t Get No Satisfaction?

Dr. Gary Hill Shares Tips for Improving Relationships with Your Significant Other There’s no doubt about it. Relationships are hard.

Finding someone that you want to spend time with can be challenging enough, but once that happens, it can be just as difficult to keep the romance and sparks alive. So, how do you keep things fresh and exciting with your spouse or significant other? How do you continue to stay connected and feel fulfilled? What things can be done to ensure a healthy, loving, mutually satisfying relationship?

Dr. Gary Hill, a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed marital and family therapist, is quite familiar with these questions. Based in Northfield, he has worked with hundreds of couples over the years to help them explore and improve their relationships.

“Every relationship has its ups and downs,” explains Hill. “Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to keeping love alive, but there are some simple steps that can certainly help a couple stay connected, strengthen the bond, and nurture what they have,” he adds. ““Relationships are definitely an investment,” he continues. “The more you put in, the more you can get back.”

Here are some of Dr. Hill’s tips for building and maintaining a solid relationship with your spouse or significant other.

Listen.

Sure it sounds easy and obvious, but how often

do we really do it? When is the last time you stopped what you were doing, tuned everything else out, and focused entirely on what your partner was saying? Try it, and you’ll quickly see how good listening not only leads to better, more intimate conversations, but also to better communication overall.

Ask For What You Want.

“A mistake that many of us make is that we expect our partners to know what we want,” says Dr. Hill. We assume that because we’ve been together for so long, that our partners should know us well enough to know what we want or need at any given moment. Nothing could be further from the truth. No one is a mind reader.

If you want a stronger, more viable relationship, then you need to be honest with your partner and directly express what you want.

Stop nagging.

Constant nagging can cause a relationship to crumble quickly. Dr. Hill suggests that couples stop harping on the small things, and try to determine the bigger, more significant things about their partner that truly bothers them.

“Once you’ve identified them, consider approaching these topics from a place of caring, concern and support rather than from a position of anger, nagging and nitpicking,” says Hill.

“This simple change in approach can work wonders.”

Allow Things To Be What They Are. It’s a fact of life. Bad days and bad moods happen to everyone. “Sometime it’s best to just let things be,” says Dr. Hill. “Don’t immediately switch into high gear trying to fix things,” he adds. Just being understanding, supportive and loving can go a long way. Being there for one another and knowing that you can count on each other through the ups and the downs are the most basic building blocks for a loving and lasting relationship.

Agree to Disagree.

Agree to disagree. This is one of Dr. Hill’s most important relationship tips. When both partners have a strong opinion, and it’s obvious that the issue is not going to be easily resolved, then it’s time to respect each other’s point of view and agree to disagree. “There’s no need to argue over the same issue to try to prove that you’re right,” says Dr. Hill. “For the sake of the relationship, you both need to move on.”

Be Present.

“Sadly, I’ve seen too many people destroy their relationships by focusing their energy on the mistakes of the past, or worrying too much about what may happen in the future,” says Dr. Hill. In order for a relationship to thrive and survive, couples must learn to accept where they are today, right now.

“If they can allow themselves to be present

in the moment, they will undoubtedly be able to enjoy the simple things in life, and feel much more fulfilled in their personal relationships.”

Other relationship building tips from Dr. Gary Hill include: •Get over needing to be right.

•Create mini-traditions.

•Compliment each other.

•Make promises you can keep.

•Learn to let things go •Don’t hold grudges •Say “thank you” to each other; and mean it •Look at each other.

•Learn to communicate in a constructive way.

•Be kind and help each other.

•Be your partner’s biggest cheerleader •Remember what brought you together in the first place.

To learn more about Dr. Gary Hill, founder of GRH Consulting, please visit www.grhconsult. com or call 847-853-0542. Based in Northfield, Dr. Hill has extensive clinical background treating individual adults, families, married couples, and school age children. He focuses on helping clients identify and amplify their personal strengths, allowing them to deal more clearly with their current life issues and make meaningful personal changes. He is also available for presentations and workshops.

theYOUjournal

April 2015

Mind, Body and Soul

My Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey If you would have ever told me that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was going to be one of the biggest passions and loves of my life, I would have said you were crazy!

But truth be told, I am absolutely in LOVE with it! I have been a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner for the past year and a half, and I can tell you, it will be part of my life forever!

People are surprised when they find out that I train BJJ and even compete.

The main question, besides “what is it”, is always “How did you get into that?” I always laugh and explain of course, and after the initial shock, they follow with how awesome they think it is, and comment that I am probably the nicest badass that they know!

To help with the “what is it” part, here we go!

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is said to be the most effective Martial Art on the planet.

Translated as the“gentle art”, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specializes in ground fighting with a primary focus on using technique and leverage in the most efficient way possible to obtain dominant control.

When used properly, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been proven to be an effective method for dealing with bigger and stronger opponents and has become increasingly popular due to its great success in the UFC. Regardless of age, gender or athletic ability, the benefits of BJJ are far reaching and will touch every aspect of your life.

My world has definitely changed and become better because of BJJ, and for that I thank my coach and friend, Ilya Bodnya, of Ilya’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ilya is a brown belt and has been practicing and competing in BJJ for a little over 7 years. He is definitely responsible for introducing me to this amazing passion!

You truly learn a lot about yourself when training and competing. BJJ is a mind, body, and soul connection. You discover your strengths and weaknesses and realize what truly is important in life and what isn’t. And of course the health/ physical benefits are amazing.

I must say one of the greatest rewards is that I have gained a whole new family, my teammates from Ilya’s BJJ and Serafin BJJ. They are the ones who push me and make me better everyday on and off the mats. I am truly grateful to have them in my life.

“

...after the initial shock,they follow with how awesome they think it is, and comment that I am probably the nicest badass that they know!” - Jennifer Zanotti Ori

Jennifer Zanotti Ori is the owner of Jen Z’s Beauty Services in Highland Park. Zanotti Ori has a blog: jzmag. com and a web site: www.jenzsbeautyservicesinc.com.

She is also president of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Zanotti Ori, right, after winning a medal in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.

The sport is her passion, she says.

- photos courtesy of Jen Zanotti Ori

Words from the coach - by Jennifer “Jen” Zanotti Ori I decided it would be great to get some insight from my coach Ilya Bodnya, and gain a little perspective from someone who has been around the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for some time.

training. I apply principles of Jiu-Jitsu to every day life. I feel its made me a better person.”

Jen- “How has Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu positively impacted your life?”

Ilya- “There aren’t very many female practitioners in our sport. Although in recent years this number has grown, it still is a very male dominated sport. If more females join I feel that the art/ sport will gain more professionalism. It will be better for us all.”

Ilya- “Everything that I am today is all thanks to Jiu-Jitsu. If I didn’t have Jiu-Jitsu in my life, I would be lost. Self defense, weight-loss, friendships, self-esteem, courage, problem solving, humility, patience and dealing with failure. These are just a few of the benefits I have received from

Jen- “How do you feel about more female practitioners joining the sport?”

Jen- “What advice would you give to someone just starting to train BJJ or wanting to begin?”

Ilya- “Start today, leave your ego at the door, focus on the basics, respect your training partners and understand that Jiu-Jitsu is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, but is super fun and rewarding.”

Ilya Bodnya of Ilya’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is located at 1630 Old Deerfield Rd Suite 208 in Highland Park. He can be reached at 847-863-0014.

Pictured right is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Ilya Bodnya with Jennifer Zanotti Ori after winning a medal in a recent competition.

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theYOUjournal

April 2015

Out on the Town

‘De-lovely’ and Dazzling Musical carries on Marriott Theatres 40th Season

by Long Hwa-shu It seems to be a bliss that Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire will present Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” April 15 through May 31, at the advent of spring.

This is the musical that never ages. It debuted on Broadway in 1934, and has become an alltime favorite ever since – staged ever so often.

People never seem to get tired of it.

Its anti-aging formula: Irresistible musical filled with bubbling unforgettable tunes and dazzling dance numbers. It just makes you happy and go-lucky.

The story line is intrigue and romance at the high seas. Billy Crocker is the main character aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Crocker is a stowaway who has fallen in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Evelyn Oakleigh, an English lord. The plot gets stormy as nightclub singer Reno Sweeny and Moonface Martin, a gangster on the run, come to Crocker’s aid. In the end, Crocker wins Harcourt’s hand.

Because some of the melodious tunes are familiar like “You’re The Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and, of course, “Anything Goes,” you will probably feel like tapping as they are performed.

Several of those starring in the show are winners of the Joseph Jefferson (Jeff) Award which honors excellence in professional theatre in the Chicago area. They have become familiar faces to theater-goers at the Marriott.

Billy Crocker is portrayed by Jameson Cooper who has appeared at the Marriott before for his roles in Hero, La Cage aux Folles and Legally Blonde. Hope Harcourt is being played by Sum-

mer Naomi Smart, a Jeff Award-winner who has become recognizable at the Marriott for her roles in the Light in the Piazza and My One and Only.

Playing Reno Sweeney, the nightclub singer, will be Stephanie Binetti who has sung at Marriott in White Christmas, Legally Blonde, and Now and Forever. Moonface Martin will be played by Jeff Award-winner Ross Lehman who has played his roles including Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray and The Producers and Hot Mikado at the Marriott.

Patrick Lane is making his Marriott debut as Lord Oakleigh. He has made national tours of Hamlet and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead.

What would a Marriott musical be without favorite actor Gene Weygandt? A Jeff Award-winner, Weygandt is playing Elisa Whitney in Anything Goes. Mary Ernster is Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt in the production (she has performed in The Light in the Piazza at the Marriott Theatre; the Sound of Music at the Lyric Opera of Chicago). Jeff Award-Winner John Reeger (The Iceman Cometh at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Harvey Theater and A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, Amadeus at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Hamlet at Court Theatre, and Chicago at the Marriott Theatre); Jeff Award-winner Anne Gunn (Road Show at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; White Christmas, Guys and Dolls at the Marriott Theatre; Side by Side

by Sondheim at Light Opera Works); Patrick Sarb (Mamma Mia! On Broadway; Cabaret and Fiddler on the Roof at the Marriott Theatre) and Jeff Award-winner Mark David Kaplan (National Tour of The Lion King; Les Miserables and Ragtime at Drury Lane Theatre). The ensemble includes Brian Bohr, Annie Jo Ermel, Adam Estes, Jerry Galante, Katie Johannigman, Kevin Kulp, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Andrew Purcell, Scott

The irresistible musical Anything Goes will be playing at the Marriott Theatre April 15 to Shimizu, Adrienne Storrs and J Tyler Whitmer.

Anything Goes will be directed and choreographed by Marc Robin, the 15-time Jeff Award-winner. He will be joined by music director Ryan T. Nelson, a Jeff Award-nominee.

Showtime is 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays.

Ticket prices range $50 to $55 excluding tax and handling.

To reserve tickets, call Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information. A limited number of dinner and theater tickets are available through the box office. Dinner reservations at the King’s Wharf restaurant or the Fairfield Inn restaurant may be made by calling 847.634.0100.

Visit the theatre Web site for more information.

Stephanie Binetti plays Reno Sweeney

Calling All Redheads !

Singing for Spring Colorful birds are decorating the spring landscape, flocking to the feeders everywhere. - photos by Tina Johansson

Highwood to Host Internationally Acclaimed Redhead Fest The City of Highwood is looking for redheads now for a June event featuring Carrot-tops and Gingers!

The Redhead Days festival will be held in early June and is anticipating to be the country’s laergest gathering of Redheads to be photographed from above Everts Park, 130 Highwood Avenue.

According to organizers, this is the first Redhead Days festival of its kind in the United States.

Redhead Days is a festivaloriginating in Breda, Holland that seeks to unite the global redheaded community through their three core values of bonding, pride and recognition.

“There is no distance too far to experience the love, kinship and immediate bond that all redheads share with one another,” says Jim Stoecker, Highwood’s honorary Redhead, owner of Alex’s Washington Gardens and event organizer, who is bringing this festival to fruition.

Stoecker explains how he first came upon the redhead festival, “In 2012, I was on a bicycle ride across Europe and chanced across the 5th Annual Redhead Days in Breda, where we set the record for most redheads in one place with 1,255.

Since then, they’ve continued setting records, and I’ve continued dreaming of bringing this great

experience to my City of Highwood, Illinois. I plan to go back to Breda in 2015 to celebrate our affiliation!” Redheads of all ages, from all around Chicagoland, Illinois, the Midwest, and across America are encouraged to come to The creator of the Redhead Days in Breda, Holland, Bart Rouwenhorst says, “When people come together as redheads, they just look at each other. They have this certain bond. And I think this whole event will some day expand to multiple events, maybe across the world.”

As one of the first official affiliates of Redhead Days, Highwood is starting this global community gathering in America.

The family-friendly festival will take place at Highwood’s City Hall Park, 17 Highwood Avenue, where participants can register to be a part of the record breaking photo, purchase any signature “ginger gear, drinks, and goodies,” vote for their favorite carrot cake, and then head out to stroll the streets of Highwood and see how Highwood businesses are painting the town Red! Registrationis free.

To find out more about Redhead Days in Highwood please visit and LIKE www.facebook.com/RHDchicago or view Redhead Days official website at http://www.redheaddays.nl.

Jameson Cooper portrays Billy Crocker

The Best of Everything...(in our opinion) Panera Bakery Bear Claw

For those who like a bear claw for breakfast or an afternoon snack, Panera’s is the best there is after sampling several from local bakeries. It is shaped like a bear’s claw, as the name suggests, with seven or so fingers. It’s is baked to

perfection with a brownish shine garnished with enough icing and topped generously with almond flakes. But it is the almond paste filling inside that makes the delicious difference. One crunchy bite into it, you know you’ve made the right

theYOUjournal

April 2015

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Let me tell you...

Waukegan dentist volunteers for second stint in the Amazon

By Dr. Kathleen Woods, D.D.S.

The chance to go to the Amazon River Basin to perform dentistry in 2014 was both an honor and a privilege.

Last year I first became acquainted with and a part of a team of missionary volunteers that went with Amazon Vision Ministries to the Amazon in Brazil. The team I was a part of consisted of ten Americans and eight Brazilians. We split into five different teams – two teams for adult ministry, one team for children ministry, one medical team and one dental team.

In eight days, we went to four different villages – spending two days at each location. I treated more than 200 patients during that period – extracting 103 teeth and repairing 104.

We brought all the equipment needed including a portable generator and a compressor to supply me with the necessary electricity and compressed air to run my hand pieces and amalgamator.

For white filling, I used a two-part mixing system of composite filling material. This year I hope to bring with me a battery-powered light source for curing composites.

Our days were very consistent – up at 6 a.m. for breakfast and Bible study. We opened the clinic at 9 a.m. and worked until noon. We broke for lunch and a siesta as from 12 noon to 2 p.m. the heat was extremely intense.

Then at ten minutes to 2, we reassembled for another clinic session until 5 p.m. At that point,

A boat on the Amazon River is the base of operations for missionaries who came to provide dental work ashore. Dr. Kathleen Woods of Waukegan is on the right front next to a colleague. Dr. Woods said she and others slept and ate on the boat.

Dr. Woods provides dental care to a patient in the Amazon. Note the thatched roof hut back right. - photos courtesy of Dr. Kathleen Woods

we broke down the clinic and moved all the supplies back to the boat where we all lined up for our turns at the showers and then ate dinner at 6 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., we went to the village pavilion for an evening of sharing the gospel, testimonies and lots of singing. The singing was all in Portuguese, so I had great fun from harmonizing with the Brazilian missionaries with lots of “oohs” and “aahs.”

The Amazon people are sweet, wonderful and welcoming. I have been asked if they were “poor.” I would say they are not poor, but they are a populous people without technology.

There are no cell phones or computers or supermarkets. They are a very clean people but do not have access to medical or dental care.

They wash their clothes in the Amazon River, clean their dishes in the Amazon and they bathe in the Amazon. They derive all their drinking and cooking water from the Amazon.

They eat what they glean from the land – Brazilian nuts, bananas, acai roots, meats from the forests and fish from the river. They truly live a very different life from what we do here in

America.

Amazon Vision Ministries has been visiting the Amazon villages under the current administration for the past 11 years. In that time missionaries have located and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with about 450 settlements. It is estimated, however, that there are over 40,000 remote villages on the Amazon River.

What a beautiful country it is where you can hear the birds and monkeys and feel the rain that nourishes the land. I was so happy to use my skills to improve the quality of life for at least a few of the people there. And what a joy it has been for me to be associated with a team of volunteers dedicated to meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the natives.

Dr. Kathleen Woods has a dental office at 191 N. Green Bay Road, Waukegan. She received her doctorate in dentistry from Washington University in 1986 and began practicing at the Waukegan location with her late father, Dr. Richard Woods, a dentist, who built the facility.

Library Lane Zion-Benton Public Library Celebrate El Día de los Niños/El Día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) Come for a series of events to explore a variety of cultures through music, crafts, storytelling, and more.

Join us from 4-5:30 p.m. to explore the following cultures: •4/7: United States (New Mexico) •4/9: South America (Chile) •4/14: Africa (Pretoria) •4/16: Greece •4/20: Asia (Mongolia) •4/23: Spain The Finale will take place Saturday, 4/25 from

12-3 p.m. This family-friendly event features ethnic foods, an interactive bilingual storyteller, and the “El Día Art Exhibit” with original pieces made by local artists. Children who are registered for and attend the El Día Finale will receive a free book!

Registration is required. Call 847.872.4680, x5 or visit zblibrary.info.

Run to the Rhythm at ZB Library’s READing Run 5K! The ZB Library invites you to start the Summer Reading programs off on the right foot. Join in on a 5K run/walk fundraiser Saturday, April 11. The race starts and ends at Zion Park District, 2400

Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion.

The READing Run 5K is ideal for both serious runners and casual walkers. The timed event starts at 8:00 a.m., and participants could earn a division placement with a medal or trophy. The non-competitive “5K Fun Run” where everyone earns a ribbon, starts at 8:10 a.m. and is ideal for strollers, dogs, and kids. Walkers and runners receive a raffle ticket to try and win an iPod Shuffle!

Registration links and a course map are available at zbrun.org. Entry fee is $30/adults and $25 for students 18 and under. Group rates available. Register online by April 10 or onsite.

Proceeds help library programs.

Warren-Newport Public Library We Want Your Old Shoes Don’t throw out those shoes! If you have shoes you no longer wear, make a difference and reuse those shoes. In cooperation with SWALCO, the library will collect your old shoes for recycling.

All types of shoes are welcome with the exception of rollerblades, ice skates and winter boots (dress boots, hiking boots and rain boots are ok).

Please tie laces or rubber band your pairs together. Drop off shoes in the lobby collection box through April 26.

Warren-Newport Library is at 224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee.

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theYOUjournal

A pleasure to have visitors from afar

by Long Hwa-shu My younger brother, Long Yunxu, a celebrated watercolor artist in China, came for a visit with his wife, Jingzhi, from Toronto where they recently moved to.

They came with their daughter, Kathy, and her husband, Lewis Yang, a Chinese-Canadian businessman, and their lovely daughter, Vivian, who is 12.

As was the Chinese custom, they came bearing gifts. My brother brought us a painting, a peasant girl milling corn manually with a stone grind. A picture of the painting has been included in a catalogue which highlights his works. We had seen the picture before and admired it, not knowing he would bring us the real painting – truly a pleasant surprise which we’ll treasure forever.

Lewis, who owns a business in Nanjing, my hometown, brought us a bottle of ice

course. But they deserved the “red carpet” treatment as much as we could afford. As the Chinese say, it’s a pleasure for a friend from afar to come for a visit – more so because they are our relatives. Pleasure can’t be measured in dollars and cents.

As my brother is an artist, naturally we took them to the Art Institute. We saw among other works, sculptures, folk art, architecture and design, and as many paintings as our time would allow us which included Georges Seurat’s Sunday in the Park, Claude Monet’s Stacks of Wheat and Picassos. But it was impossible to see all the exhibits on all four levels at the museum for a whirlwind tour.

“To really appreciate everything, it’ll take at least a whole day,” said my brother, who specializes in realism and was more interested in seeing the paintings.

“I’ll be back when I come to Chicago next time,” he added lingeringly.

Visiting Millennium Park in Chicago was one of the our guests best visits. Here we are at the “bean.” From left is Vivian and her father Lewis Yang, Long Hwa-shu, Jingzhi and Kathy. - photos by Tina Johansson

Long Yunxu, a celebrated water color painter from Nanjing, China visits the Art Institute.

Here he poses with a famous Picasso, the Red Armchair, painted in 1931.

wine & brandy and a jug of maple syrup, both well-known Canadian native products.

He and Kathy also gave us two cans of green tea from Nanjing. The maple syrup is unlike the kind you get from a supermarket.

It has real and delightful maple flavor- not too sugary at all.

To show my relatives Chicago, we took them to the city in a stretch limo, a luxury of

We went sight-seeing, making stops at Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Water Tower and of course, the fabulous Michigan Avenue with all the upscale stores.

Our guests were especially impressed by the gigantic reflective elliptical sculpture which mirrors Chicago’s famous skyline and those who stand in front of it to see

themselves in various perspectives. They were marveled at how this fluid, shining, seamless piece of art, said to weigh 110 tons, was put together. Many a picture was taken to preserve the fond memories.

For a late lunch, we ate at Morton’s Steakhouse. We told our relatives that Chicago used to have a stockyard and therefore is famous for its steaks. We all ordered the 22-ounce Chicago-style prime, bone-in rib eye except for my brother’s wife and Vivian.

Jingzhi had a Manhattan filet-mignon and Vivian craved for some lamb chops.

The steaks were big and thick, juicy and flavorful – altogether satisfying. For side dishes we had creamed spinach, roasted asparagus and baked potato. There was also a plate of bacon bits which we somehow ignored because we were enjoying our steaks so much. We thought the lamp chops were too big for Vivian, but she loved them so much that she actually finished all three of them. Bravo to her! We took a pass on dessert because no one had room.

The day before we ate at home.

My wife Tina, who is of German and Swedish stock, prepared an Italian main dish: Eggplant Parmigiana. Besides Chinese food, Chinese somehow like Italian cuisine. After all, Marco Polo is said to have learned how to make noodles in China and brought the know-how back to Italy.

Tina actually started making preparations the day earlier shopping for eggplants, chicken breast, Italian bread crumbs and other ingredients.

Vivian helped her out in the kitchen. The two have become fast friends since the last visit. The baking of eggplant Parmigiana seemed to take forever. While we waited, we reminisced the past and snacked on nuts, candied dates from Tunisia and crackers with cognac duck liver paste.

The eggplant Parmigiana was served with Italian sausage with roasted peppers and onions on the side, plus spaghetti with home-made tomato sauce (tomatoes from our garden – last years which were frozen), and salad with Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts and fresh red grapes.

Our guests were impressed by her cook-

ing. We all ate with gusto. Regrettably, no wine was served because our guests are teetotalers.

Kathy, a talented cook, promised to make us a delicious Chinese dinner when we visit them. We’re looking forward to it with bon appetit.

Some delicious gifts from China and Canada brought by our guests on recent visit.

Some of our group going up to Millennium Park to see the sights.

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Continued from previous page

Yunxu Long created this lovely watercolor depicting a peasant girl milling grain with a stone grinder in 1995 while he lived in Nanjing, China. He and his wife recently moved to Toronto. Mr. Long, a well-known artist in China, is a younger brother of Long Hwa-shu, the publisher of theYOUjournal. The piece has been published in the catalog “The selected Watercolour Works by Yunxu Long.” .

Twelve-year-old Vivian (right) outside Morton’s Steakhouse on Wacker Place,where we dined with our guests who came from Toronto.

Above, the entire clan in front of our limousine sight-seeing on Michigan Avenue.

Left, Long Hwa-shu with his sister-in-law Jingzhi at Navy Pier.

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theYOUjournal

Someone You Should Know

Mindy Berkson, Infertility Consultant Founder, Lotus Blossom Consulting Infertility Consultant Mindy Berkson founded Lotus Blossom Consulting (www.LotusBlossomConsulting.com) ten years ago to arm consumers/patients with information and education to make the best medical choices.

The consultancy was “born” from Mindy’s personal experience through infertility and has blossomed through the strategic alliances she has cultivated from her deep seeded background in venture capital. Mindy works with individuals and couples, taking into consideration her clients’ emotional, physical and financial infertility issues. Most importantly, Mindy provides an insider’s approach to the often-challenging roadblocks present in conquering infertility, as she, herself, struggled to conceive. Since launching Lotus Blossom Consulting in 2005, over 700 babies have been born thanks to surrogacy or egg donor arrangements made and implemented by Mindy’s company.

What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

I wanted to be a gymnast. From as early as I can remember Nadia Comaneci was my hero, because she could fold her body in any and every direction. I thought that was so cool! I also always wanted to be a mom. From a very young age, it was important to me to have a legacy and to have a close family.

What would you change about yourself if you could?

I always wanted to be 5 feet tall without my heels. Some things are just impossible to accomplish, so I have to compensate and always wear my 4+ inch heels!

What motivates you to work hard?

It’s my passion, plain and simple. I’m passionate about helping others through a struggle that I walked through so many years ago. This is what motivated me to build Lotus Blossom Consulting and what keeps me charged up every morning and excited to embark on the day.

During the years that I went through infertility, I remember the loss of hope and the worry that I would never expand my family. Those dashed dreams and desperate moments were so prevalent. But today, the world of in-vitro fertilization

is so different. Science and technology have increased success rates incrementally. My goal is to share that hope and opportunity, and to help my clients become their own best advocates, so they can make the best possible medical decisions for their individualized circumstances.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I am proud that I have built a company beyond my wildest expectations and am now celebrating my 10th year anniversary. I am so grateful that I had the education and the determination to make it happen, and that I found the passion through my own adversity to create and build Lotus Blossom Consulting.

If you couldn’t be an infertility consultant, what would you be?

I would probably still be in the venture capital arena if I had not started my own company.

If money was no object, what would you do all day?

I wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe I would work less hours per day, but the work that I do is so rewarding and satisfying to me that I have no intention of doing anything different.

What is the best gift you have been given?

The best gift to date has been my twin boys.

This does not mitigate the birth of my daughter.

All babies are a gift. But the conception of the twins could not be taken for granted. This was the fruition of many years of conscious efforts; many disappointments, many IVF procedures, too much medication, and way too many hormonal moments. When I learned there were two fetuses, I felt as though I won the lottery.

Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job?

I would rather work the perfect job, as the perfect career is not a fleeting moment. It is rewarding and continually requires one to improve, analyze industry changes, and remain flexible and adaptable. The perfect job for me is a life, a destiny, and an accomplishment. These are the things that bring me peace, clarity and

satisfaction.

If you could share a meal with any 3 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Bill Clinton, because I think he is brilliant, an excellent speaker, and very engaging. Robin Roberts because she is so full of grace and stamina. Robin has faced adversity so many times in her life and is always willing to share her struggles publicly to help raise awareness so others can learn. Marilyn Monroe because she is the ultimate party girl. And I think it would be so much fun to socialize with her.

If you could be any animal, what would it be?

I would want to be my dog, Grace Kelly. She has the total pampered life and is one of the cutest and most content creatures I know. She is my rescue dog from Hurricane Katrina, and I truly believe that she is so grateful for her rescue, as she knew her destiny.

What does your perfect day look like?

Talking to at least 10 new clients. I love to plan multiple options to maximize my client’s chances of success and minimize their financial expenditure. Sharing resources to suit individual personalities, medical needs, and emotional tolerances is so rewarding to me. And, most importantly, helping to create a concrete path for building or expanding a family.

What’s your favorite family tradition?

My favorite tradition involves charitable giving. Many weeks prior to Christmas, I ask my kids to select a charity of choice and identify why they selected the charity. On Christmas Eve, their stockings include a donation in their honor to the charity they have chosen. One year in particular, my son selected Ronald McDonald House. His Christmas Eve presentation about the organization made me realize that this is something I would love to get involved with, and now, three years later, I am serving on the organization’s fundraising committee. The concept of charity is very important, and I wanted my children to know the value of giving.

Do you collect anything?

Yes, I love to collect shoes (high heels of course) and handbags in every size and color.

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?

Sight is absolutely the strongest. I am a very visual person and I like to paint a picture to map out the future and define goals. Being able to envision the big picture helps me to strategize and achieve my goals.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Without a doubt it would be Cheeseburgers and French fries.

How would your friends describe you?

My friends would describe me as very outgoing and social. They know that I love to attend parties, and even more special for me is to plan and throw parties for others.

What are your hobbies?

I love to hike, snow ski, horseback ride and travel.

What three words best describe you?

Ambitious, demanding and perfectionist.

Infertility consultant Mindy Berkson

Out on the Town College of Lake County

April 10 to May 16 - CLC’s 34th Annual Student Art Competition exhibit A huge variety of artwork by College of Lake County students will be on display from April 10 through May 16 at the Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art on the Grayslake campus. The 34th Annual CLC Student Art Competition is a juried exhibit featuring painting, drawing, computer graphics, photography, ceramics, jewelry, digital media and sculpture.

The exhibit’s juror is Brad Coleman, a lecturer in art at Lake Forest College.

At the opening reception, held from 7-9 p.m. on April 10, CLC will award approximately $1,200 in cash prizes and purchase awards, including a $500 scholarship from the Lake County Art League and the $200 Steve Mendelson Memorial Award. The winners will be

announced at 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public and will include refreshments and live music.

For more information, call the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts division at (847) 543-2040 or visit http://gallery.clcillinois. edu/. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday - Thursday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday; and 1-5 p.m., Sunday.

April 10-18 - CLC Theatre presents three one-act comedies A trio of comedic one-act plays by three popular playwrights will be presented by the College of Lake County Theatre Department April 10-12 and 16-18 as part of Play On!, the 2015 Theatre Student Showcase.

The plays are “Mary Just Broke Up With

This Guy” by Garth Wingfield, “Soap Opera”

by David Ives and “Wanda’s Visit” by Christopher Durang. The productions are student run, with CLC students working as actors, directors, stage managers, designers and technicians under the direction of faculty and staff mentors.

The shows will be presented April 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the CLC Grayslake campus. The plays contain adult language and subject matter.

Tickets: Regular: $9; CLC/Senior/Teen/JLC Subscribers: $7 (does not include $2 JLC facility fee).

April 10: The Second City touring ensemble to perform at CLC Chicago’s famous comedy troupe, The Sec-

ond City, will serve up comedic twists on today’s local headlines and present some of the best sketches from the past at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 10 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County in Grayslake.

Tickets: Regular tickets: $35/32/28; Senior/ Staff/Alumni: $34/31/27; CLC Student/Teen: $15; and Children: $12. A $2 per ticket JLC facility fee will be added at the time of purchase.

Other fees may apply to Internet purchases.

CLC student tickets are not available for online purchase. Teen and children tickets must be purchased with adult priced tickets. For more information or to order tickets, visit http://www. clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300 (option 5). The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes before performances.

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As I See It - by Odie Pahl Three Brothers Theatre livens Downtown Waukegan The Lost World - April 10 - April 25 I grew up at a time when downtown Waukegan was a vibrant retail center. Yes, that was a long time ago.

For years, it was dormant and quite sad-looking. Occasional events would get people down to Genesee Street, yet until the Genesee Theatre was renovated there was nothing to wake-up this sleeping giant and make it viable again.

Unfortunately, when the economy took a dive, the beginnings of prosperity sunk like the proverbial rock. Early trailblazers couldn’t sustain their businesses based on the sporadic events at the theatre. Waukegan took another snooze-fest until entrepreneurs in the area looked at some alternatives.

Artists take chances and they saw Genesee Street as a blank canvas. Painting another vision, they are changing the dismal to the exceptional, one storefront at a time. Galleries, restaurants, local businesses, and theatres are popping up. Vested in each other’s successes, a family is growing and nurturing each other as the landscape changes for the better.

Did I mention theatres? I most certainly did.

Not in the grand style of the Genesee Theatre (more about that time), but like big city black box kind of theatre.

Small venues are offering great little productions, with passionate entrepreneurs and

artists working side-by-side. In an effort to provide professional entertainment on a smaller scale, Three Brothers Theatre at 115 N. Genesee Street is one of those theatres. For the last 18 months at this location, Three Brothers is bringing quality entertainment, in an intimate setting, and at a reasonable price ($20). You can’t beat that.

There are four very important people who make Three Brothers happen and none are brothers. Caroline and Josh Beadle (founder) are married and function as the artistic and executive directors. They met in graduate school, but both have studied theatre separately as undergraduates.

The third member, Richard Adams, met Josh when they attended the University of Iowa.

He is the program director of the Theatre for Younger Audiences, officially, and like the Beadles contributes his talents to everything else.

The fourth member, Jim Neal, is the technical director. He has influenced Lake County Theatre for the last 40 years. As Executive Director of the Historic Genesee Theatre he was integral in the renovation process. Neal continues to impact theatre in his hometown through his support and technical genius.

They see their theatre as a community that grows between the artists and audience with each new production. They advertise for actors throughout the Milwaukee-Chicago area and in

their third season they are finally at the point to offer stipends of varying amounts to the cast.

They have eight shows slotted for 2015 that include new plays, classics, and adaptations.

More information is available at: 3brotherstheatre.com. Volunteer opportunities are always available.

The next production opening on April 10 is going to be BIG. I mean dinosaur BIG. This tiny venue of only 55+ seats is producing an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s, The Lost World through April 25 ($20 adults & $15 seniors/students).

Although the book was published in 1912, the story is timeless. It’s about a South American expedition to the Amazon where dinosaurs still roam.

To say this is a major undertaking for Three Brothers is no exaggeration.

They have initiated a fund-raiser to expand their lighting equipment to enhance the experience. Donations can be made at indiegogo.com to “Help us light the way to The Lost World.”

Showtime is 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Upcoming events can be found at www.3brostheatre.com. It is a great way to experience real theatre right in your own community.

Until next time…

Three Brothers Theatre at 115 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan is raising funds for lighting equipment. -photo by Odie Pahl

Business at a Glance

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theYOUjournal

Jessie Mueller named Sarah Siddons Society Actress of the Year The Sarah Siddons Society’s Artistic Director, Dominic Missimi, announced plans to bestow on Jessie Mueller the organization’s prestigious Actress of the Year Award. Ms. Mueller won a Tony award in 2014 for her performance as Carole King in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL. The tribute, entitled SO BEAUTIFUL!, will take place on Monday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

Star of many Chicago productions, Mueller will be joined in performance by actress and singer Heather Headley, 2000 Tony Award winner for her role as the Nubian princess Aida in Elton John’s AIDA. Ms. Headley also received the Sarah Siddons Society’s 1999 Actress of the

Year Award.

The evening also will feature Chicago actress Deanna Dunagan, 2008 Tony Award winner for her portrayal of Violet Weston in Tracy Letts’ AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY. Ms. Dunagan also has been honored with a Sarah Siddons Society Leading Lady Award in 2008.

In addition to performances by Ms. Mueller and Ms. Headley, the event will salute Chicago’s family of actors — the Muellers. Parents Roger Mueller and Jill Shellabarger will introduce their four children who will be highlighted performers on the program. Jessie’s sister Abby, currently appearing in KINKY BOOTS on Broadway, will be joined by brothers Andrew and Matthew, two popular Chicago performers.

“These artists are the pride of Chicago, and it is a thrill to have the opportunity to honor Jessie and to salute her amazing parents and siblings,” said Missimi. “And what a thrill it is for me to bring back Heather Headley, one of my former students from Northwestern University, to sing on the Marriott stage.”

The event will be hosted by Chicago SunTimes columnist Bill Zwecker as Master of Ceremonies and will include appearances from many of Chicago’s leading theatre artists including Charles Newell, Artistic Director Court Theatre, and Terry James, Executive Producer Marriot Theatre.

It also will showcase a musical number from the Marriott’s upcoming 2015 production of

ANYTHING GOES with Stephanie Binetti as Reno Sweeney and Jameson Cooper as Billy.

Doug Peck will serve as Music Director.

All proceeds from SO BEAUTIFUL! will support the Sarah Siddons Society’s Scholarship Fund for theatre students at Columbia College of Chicago, DePaul University, Northwestern University and Roosevelt University.

Benefit tickets are $95. Student tickets are available for $25. For reservations contact BrownPaperTickets at 800-838-3006 or online at Beautiful.BrownPaperTickets.com.

For additional ticket information contact Marc Kaufman at 773-929-7606.

Diary of a dog on forced vacation This is the diary of Ginger, an Australian shepherd as told by Georgene Knight, a well-known dog trainer with the Zion Park District. Ginger was boarded with Knight for four days while her family had guests visiting from Toronto.

Day One (March 16): My official name is Lady Ginger of Wadsworth, that’s my name registered with the American Kennel Club. My masters decided to send me away while their relatives from Canada were visiting. They told me the visitors were afraid of dogs except for Vivian, the daughter of Mr. Lewis and Cathy Yang. Vivian.

I had a grand time with her the last time they came for a visit. This time Yangs’ parents also came. They were afraid of dogs also. I know I have a habit of jumping at people.

I had the foggiest idea of where I was going when Tina, my she-master, drove me away.

I know I look quite presentable, having been newly groomed with my hair cut and toenails filed down.

When Tina knocked on the door somewhere in Zion, I was surprised to find Georgene opening the door. She was my teacher at the obedience class several years ago when I was a puppy. Although I passed the class, I knew I wasn’t exactly my teacher’s pet. I was overjoyed when I saw her again.

Immediately, I jumped at her with joy. That was a no, no. I should have known. She quickly corrected me. You might say that was a remedial lesson for which I deeply appreciated.

Georgene has three dogs, all of them Border

collies, and two cats. Quickly, I made friends with them although the cats were kind of aloof.

My teacher showed me around and the nice, big yard in the back Later in the day, the neighbor’s dogs came out. Wow, a ruckus followed. We got shooed in but later we were allowed to go out again. Around 4:30, we were fed. It was a yummy dinner. Soon, Georgene had to leave to teach a class. When she came back, we were let out to the backyard. Later, we watched TV. Bed time was 11 p.m. after a treat.

Day Two: Up at 8 a.m. We were let out after breakfast. Georgene went away for four hours.

When she returned she gave us a snack.

I’m obsessed with Brat, the cat, and what a brat he is. He teases me by brushing up against me and wanting me to chase him. I get yelled at when I chase him, but I didn’t and won’t hurt him. What fun it is – not to mention the exercise I’m getting.

We had dinner at 4:45 p.m. After that she left to teach a class. When she came home she rewarded us by taking us out for a wonderful drive. For the rest of the evening, we were lying around, watching TV and had a snack before bed. I like the place and my new friends except that I missed home very much.

Day Three: Another day, another fun day of watching the cat. Up at 7:30 a.m. After breakfast, Georgene left us. She was back at noon and we played inside and outside until 3 p.m. It was great fun. Then she left to teach.

To play with Brat, I stalk him. When he sees me I chase him down till he finds a place to hide. Yahoo! Then, he comes back out to tease

LCHD helps with lost and found pets through new web site The Animal Care and Control program of the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is offering a new service for people who have lost or found pets.

“Every year more than 1,000 dogs and cats get lost in Lake County,” said Robin Van Sickle, Animal Care and Control’s program coordinator. “Our staff works hard to reunite lost pets with their owners.

This Web page is an easy way for residents to provide photos of lost animals as well as photos of animals that residents have found and want to return.”

Visit the Lost and Found Pet Service Web page at: http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Popula-

tion/Pages/Lost-and-Found-Pet-Service.aspx.

Residents who have lost or found pets, should send a digital photo to cjohnson5@lakecountyil.gov.

Please include a description of the pet and indicate whether the animal is lost or found. Also note the town or area where the pet was lost or found.

None of the animals displayed on the webpage are housed at Animal Care and Control and no personal information will be posted on-line.

For more information or to inquire about having your pet microchipped by Animal Care and Control staff, please call 847.377.4700.

Ginger was worn out from all the fun she had at Miss Georgene’s. “I’m so tired, I don’t know which way is up!” she says. -photo by Tina Johansson me again. It’s a revolving hide-seek game. I think Brat likes me.

When Georgene came home, she gave us a snack. We watched TV and then went to bed at 11. Although I’m having a lot of fun but I miss my masters, hoping to see them soon.

Day Four: At 10 a.m. I learned that Tina would soon come to pick me up! Not that I want to leave. I’ve never had so much fun playing with my new friends Buzz, BIU,and Bess. I hope they can come to my house soon. And I am really going to miss Miss Georgene, who is stern

with me sometimes (I know I need it), but full of love too. That cat Brat, though, is driving me nuts! Well, actually maybe I’ll miss him also... just a little. It was fun chasing him around, even if he is a brat!

I learned a few things here. I learned not to try to eat others food. That’s a no, no. And I learned that cats are smart. They can climb up on things and hide in small spaces.

But they will never be able to keep watch over someone’s home for them. That’s for sure!

Tips to prevent pets from becoming lost: 1. Whenever outside the home, keep ID tags on your pet along with a properly fitted collar or harness – personal ID tag, rabies/license tag, and microchip tag. If your pet gets lost, you want the person who finds your pet to be able to easily contact or find you.

2. Make sure your pet is microchipped and the chip is registered to you. A microchip is a tiny chip implanted between your pet’s shoulder blades; it can be scanned and used to identify your pet. Don’t forget to update your contact information with the microchip registry if you move or change your phone number. If you adopted your pet from an animal shelter, he/ she may be already microchipped. Check your adoption records or ask your veterinarian to scan your pet for a microchip. Microchips can be implanted by your veterinarian or by Lake County Animal Care and Control.

3. When walking your dog, use a sturdy, traditional leash. Slip the loop of the leash over your right thumb and close your fingers tightly around the loop. Use left hand to hold the leash further down. If your dog tries to bolt, you have both hands on the leash.

4. When children are walking the dog, they should not only be old enough to understand the safety precautions, but also physically strong enough to handle the dog if he/she attempts to bolt.

5. If you let your dog out into a fenced yard, check the fence on a routine basis to make sure it is secure. Wind and accumulated snow can damage your fence.

theYOUjournal April 2015

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20

April 2015

theYOUjournal