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Issue IX July 2015
“Our Focus is on YOU!” What’s Inside
Indian cuisine blooms in Bannockburn Page 11
What is this place? Check out page 5
Tina Johansson / theYOUjournal
YOU may become a fan!
Local dentist helps out in the Amazon Page 16
Jay’s experience in the desert Page 19
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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 Jay Stephen -
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July 2015
Art exhibit at CLC
Business at a Glance
On July 10 a new exhibit by Maureen Fritchen opens at CLC. Called “Time and Again” the exhibit will be on display through Aug. 16 at the Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. The exhibit will kick off with a reception from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, July 10 in the gallery at 19351 W. Washington St. Both the exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. The opening night reception will include refreshments and music. Because of construction, please park in Lot 1 and enter the Technology Building at door T1. A Chicago native, Maureen Fritchen lives and works in Racine, Wis. “Time and Again” features 24 pieces that are two-dimensional mixed media (collage, oil and encaustic paintings on birch plywood panels) and three-dimensional (found wood and oil paint). “Colors, shapes, and pattern conjure up strong connections to place for me and (place) holds the same emotive capacity that scent does,” she says. “It is our connection to place that gives us a human experience that identifies oneself. My paintings evoke a familiarity of place and yet they are mostly void of any identifiable associations or landmarks. The use of strong horizontals and sensitive color ranges suggest landscapes. Each piece has its own temperature and atmosphere with subtle multi-layered events occurring on and below the surface.” Fritchen has been a resident artist at the 16th Street Studios in Racine since 2010. Her work has been shown in several solo exhibits in the Racine and Kenosha area and has been included in juried and invitational exhibits at galleries throughout Wisconsin, including Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend; The Fine Art Gallery in Milwaukee; the Frank Juarez Gallery in Sheboygan; Racine Art Museum in Racine and others. She was the cover artist for Wisconsin Visual Arts Magazine in March 2014. Since 2012, she has served as education assistant for the Racine Art Museum, working on the Professional Artists Development Series. For more information, call the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts division at (847) 543-2040 or visit http://gallery. clcillinois.edu/. Gallery hours for July 10 through August 7: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From August 10-16: open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 15, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Longtime Business
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theYOUjournal July
Businessman to pedal 150 miles for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
3
2015
More Inside
A
by Tina Johansson
Highland Park business owner is gearing up for a 150-mile bicycle ride from Milwaukee to Door County, Wisconsin this
Recycled Art Sale
Carol Westlund
Page 18
Steve Westlund of Highland Park gets ready to train for an upcoming trek to Door County, Wis. His team is Crystal Cabinet Cyclists and he is an owner of Design Quartet at Ravinia. Westlund participates yearly in the 150-mile scenic ride which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. So far more than $1.1 million has been raised.
“I usually can go 75 miles in five to six hours. Of course we have to take breaks,” said Westlund. Last month Westlund and his company hosted a Wheels and Deals event in Highland Park in which collector and antique cars owned by Dan Beelow, of Beelow’s NorthShore restaurant were displayed, Westlund’s own collection of motorcycles were on dis-
play, and raffles were held. About $425 was raised at the event for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information about the bike trek and ways you can help, go to: http://www.lls. org/events/scenic-shore-150-bike-tour or call 888.LLS.7177.
lund. “It’s nice to have some young legs ride with you,” he said. Cycling enthusiasts will pedal the scenic shoreline route for the weekend event July 17 and July 18. Blood cancer survivors and their families will be cheering on participants along the way. Carol Westlund will be riding in a shuttle van nearby supporting her husband, son and daughter-in-law.
Page 12
Page 10
Wendy Gimbel / Ripple Public Relations
People checked out the rare beauties at the Wheels and Deals car show.
Summer makeup tips fit for a bride
How to do Kitchen Remodels Right
Wendy Gimbel / Ripple Public Relations
month. In fact up to 1,500 others will be heading that way too, part of a fundraising effort for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2015 Scenic Shore 150 Bike Tour. “I’ve been riding my whole life, but more seriously the past 15 years,” said Steve Westlund, a partner at Design Quartet at Ravinia. Westlund, 62, is a member of the Wisconsin chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and has participated in the event before, the largest fund-raiser for the organization. With riders raising over $1.1 million, the bike tour is a premiere charity cycling event in the Midwest. “The reason I like to do this, it keeps me focused on fitness. And in the process I hope I can help some other people. We started doing the ride with a gentleman who had leukemia, and he since passed away. I also had a dog die from leukemia,” he said. The impact after meeting those affected by leukemia can be a life-altering experience, said Westlund. “Once (at a bike tour) I saw a woman riding next to a little boy. Later that night at a dinner for the riders, I asked the woman about the boy. She said the young man was riding alongside her, to give her support. The woman had just been diagnosed with leukemia,” he said. “The people that do this—their heart is in the right place.” Spin classes with his wife Carol turned him into the serious bicyclist he is today, he said. And riding a bike is kinder on the knees than taking a jog. “I really don’t like to run, so this was another alternative. I train for this all the time, in fact the other day I did about 30 miles. Some of my partners call me the Energizer Bunny.” This year his son Dan Westlund, a deputy sheriff from St. Paul, Minn. and his wife Shannon will be biking alongside, said West-
Company makes gourmet crock pot meals Above, visitors in Highland Park speak to the driver about this unique vintage model.
Pages 10 & 18
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theYOUjournal June 2015
As I see it...
Being a Doula Are you thinking, who or what is a doula? I have to admit that I was not familiar with the term when I first heard it. More than a midwife, who assists a woman in childbirth a doula, is the whole package. Both are trained and can be certified, but the doula is the support for the mother before the birth, through the birth, and after the birth for the whole family. While a midwife or doctor is primarily focused on the physical procedure, the doula is part of the entire process. Having a doula on board is an amazing thing. When the gynecologist/obstetrician monitors, tests, and supervises a woman’s pregnancy, they are seeing their patient only once a month until the last month when visits are weekly. Measuring the fetus, checking the weight gain (babies and mother), and performing a couple of ultrasounds, the doctors must attend to a multitude of patients. The doula is actively involved through every step of the pregnancy. This is especially helpful when it’s your first child. How many of you remember having “no clue” during those nine months? Where was Google when I was having kids? So, when a friend announced the birth of her son with the help of a doula, I had to investigate. Lauren Sczygielski-Anders and I worked as ushers at the Genesee Theatre when it reopened recently. Always being on-top of all that she does,
I was not surprised that she had engaged a doula for her first-ever birthing experience. Her choice was Martha Sheahan CD (DONA International), who trained and became certified as a doula in 2009. Her business is named, Becoming a Mother Birthing
Family photo
by Odie Pahl
Lauren Sczygielski-Anders, baby Tom, and Martha Sheahan, a doula.
Service (www.becomingmothers.org). Sheahan developed an interest in natural childbirth after her first two children were born premature and wanted a better experience with her third and fourth. Formerly, Doulas of North America, DONA International is the largest doula association in the world. There are more than 7000 certified doulas and the numbers continue to increase. Once certified, Martha was able to use her skills to provide holistic, non-medical birth support for people like Lauren, which is really the significant difference between a doula and a midwife. Midwives like an obstetrician are considered clinical care providers. Although essential to the success of the birthing experience, they are focused on the physical act of giving birth. A doula works alongside of the medical team, possibly a midwife, and mother before, during, and after the delivery. Martha explained, “As a doula I’ve worked in homes, hospitals, and birthing centers. I provide care to all women, regardless of the route they choose, while in labor. Natural, medical, or C-section the benefits of a doula remain the same. The excitement of supporting a family through birth never grows old. Each experience is unique and each birth writes its own story. I believe 100 percent in the empowerment this sacred experience brings to a woman. I am honored to be part
of the journey.” In Lauren’s case, her baby, Tom, was delivered by caesarean section at 39 weeks. He was a double footling breech. Yep, both feet were coming out first. Not a good scenario for mother or child. Despite, a major change in plans, she still felt her birth experience was almost perfect with some valuable assistance from her doula. Lauren faced surgery with a calm, relaxed confidence instead of fear and helplessness. She shared with me, “Having Martha with us gave Dan (her husband) and me a peace and calm you wouldn’t believe. Dan, who was a skeptic at first, loved having her there as she was informative, professional, calm, and funny (most important). I am the first woman in our family to have a doula and hope I won’t be the last…they’re great!” After my research, hearing Lauren’s story, and learning about Martha’s passion for her profession I am convinced this is an amazing practice and more meaningful than a traditional birth. Raising four children with her firefighter husband, Matt, she is a blocker for the Root River Rollers (a women’s roller derby team out of Racine, Wis.), and dabbles in photography and gardening. Nonetheless, she uses her innate skills, (honed through hours of training) supports new parents, and continues to bring new life into the world on a regular basis. Sounds like a dream job to me, right? Until next time…
Green Thumb Lady - by Hope Forcier Make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood There are various schools of thought when it comes to lawn care. There are those who aspire to the perfect lawn, with not a single weed, faultless grass, each blade growing in unison, to a precise diminutive level, making a symphony of cool green perfection. Other’s lawn philosophy is: as long as it’s green and looks good from a distance, that’s great; it will get cut when I have time. The U of I Extension has 30 different fact sheets available on Lawn Care, written by educators who study lawn care and grasses full time. Based on those fact sheets, here are some basic tips to make your lawn care efficient and effective.
Mowing: The height of the grass should be about two to three inches. Lawns mowed at the taller height tend to have deep roots and less weed problems. The 2-inch height is for when the grass is growing rapidly and the 3-inch is for when the growth slows down in the heat of summer. Ideally, only one third of the grass leaf should be cut per mowing. If you let the grass get too high, raise your mower bed and cut it over a couple of days, lowering the bed each time till you get the height you want. The grass clippings on a lawn which is mowed on a regular basis do not need to be collected. They decompose and recycle nutrients, especially nitrogen, which can lessen the need
to fertilize. Mowing when the lawn is wet is not a good idea; the grass lies flat, and tends to clump on the lawn and under the mower. Wet or dry, keeping the blades sharp on whatever kind of mower you use makes the job easier and is kinder to the grass. Watering: Cool season grasses, which is what we grow in this area, naturally slow their growth and may even go dormant in hot dry weather. Should you decide you don’t want to let you lawn go dormant and enjoy a rest in the heat of summer, water deeply once a week? One to 1.5 inches of water is best. Daily shallow sprinkles can put the roots under stress and
do more harm than good Core aerification is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. It reduces soil compaction thatch, and improves drainage. Core aerifiers have hollow tines that remove plugs of soil, which allow the grass roots to spread. The cores act as a top dressing and should be allowed to dry and remain on the surface. The best time to aerifie is when the grass resumes active growing in the early fall. Core aerifiers can be purchased, or rented, or you can hire someone to do it for you. For further information on lawn care, contact the U of I Master Gardeners at 847- 223-8627.
Interior Designer Anita Galatte of Artspiring and Design Quartet at Ravinia has won a 2015 Crystal Choice Award for a recently completed laundry room design for a home in Park Ridge. Galatte, who works out of the Design Quartet at Ravinia showroom in Highland Park has been designing kitchens, bathrooms and offices using Crystal Cabinets for 18 years. The laundry room was her first submission for the award. Chosen from dozens of entries, the laundry room that Galatte designed will be featured on
Crystal Cabinets’ website, social media and upcoming new company brochures. “I listened to all of the needs of the client and came up with a design that made the space both functional and beautiful,” says Galatte “The design continued the look of the home’s décor right into the laundry room, which is often overlooked even though is one of the most used spaces in a home. It was an honor to be recognized with the Crystal Choice Award.”
Design Quartet at Ravinia
Highland Park designer wins award Interior Designer Anita Galatte
of Artspiring and Design Quartet at Ravinia recently won a 2015 Crystal Choice Award for a laundry room design for a home in Park Ridge.
theYOUjournal
July
5
2015
Local Business
These guys know a hill of beans
J
By Long Hwa-shu
ust when you thought the big players have dominated the highly competitive java market, two former bankers have started a coffee shop with a wholesale roasting business in downtown Libertyville. The place has become a haven for area coffee lovers. Walking into Hansa Coffee Roasters, you will be awakened by the intoxicating aroma of freshly-made cappuccino. Moreover, you will be unfailingly greeted by Adam Paronto, the general manager, and his assistant, Tessa Downs. Both are baristas. If you are a regular customer, they’ll remember your first name. “We value our customers treating them like family members or friends,” said Kevin Kane, president of Hansa which is half-hidden from Milwaukee Avenue, the main street. You can’t miss it because the building is painted white with “coffee” in big letters and it is next to the Metra station. His sentiments are echoed by Tom Maegdlin, director of sales. The two are equal partners in the venture launched on Oct 4, 2013 without much fanfare. “We had 300 followers on Facebook when we opened,” Kane recalled with obvious pride. What’s so special about their coffee? “We use high quality beans grown on family farms well-known for their harvests. We roast them ourselves,” explained Kane, pointing out that the beans are bought from an importer in Minneapolis who scouts for the best coffee beans in Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world. “Our coffee is not for people looking for convenience, buying a cup on the go quickly,” he said.
Coffee roaster Keith Lilja of Round Lake Beach with some green (raw) coffee beans before he places them in the roaster at Hansa. The benefits of coffee drinking are great, being that coffee is very high in antioxidants, says Adam Paronto, general manager.
“The bulk of customers want their coffee done right – quality versus convenience,” he added. Hansa offers variety. On a recent day, it offered a Guatemala brew with what Paronto, the barista, described as containing subtle co-
coa powder, candy lemon and cinnamon graham cracker tasting notes. Another choice of the day was a Columbian coffee with aromas of cherry, raisin and baking spices. Coffee is served in porcelain cups rather than paper. Refills are free as long as you drink it there. Also available are pastries from Holcomb Hollow bakery in Mundelein featuring gluten-free and vegan delights. The 2,500-square-foot shop in a former
“
I was the only middle schooler with a travel mug full of coffee on the school bus.”-Tom Maegdlin, co-owner of Hansa Coffee Roasters
garage, originally used as an auto parts store, has been transformed into a friendly, homey and comfortable haven for coffee lovers. The two owners said while they did most of the remodeling themselves, they did not find the right plumber until they tried out six of them. Some regular customers bring their computers with them, turning the place into their mobile offices while sipping their brew. “When you walk in you smell coffee roasting. You really get good quality coffee here,” said Johnny Auer, director of marketing at Woodland Foods in Waukegan. “The service is good and they know what you drink (if you are a regular customer),” he added. Justine Grosvenor of Grayslake, a public relations consultant, called the place “very friendly and the coffee great.” “There’s no other coffee shop like this,” added the New Zealand native. The two owners used to work at the Libertyville branch of the Associated Bank but had always wanted to be entrepreneurs. It was only natural that they went into coffee because Maegdlin had been literally immersed in it since he was six. “When I was young, my mother used to make me a concoction of coffee, milk and sugar to coax me out of bed,” he recalled fondly, not knowing he would make a career out of his favorite drink. “I was the only middle schooler with a travel mug full of coffee on the school bus,” he added. Maegdlin started working at what he described as “mediocre” coffee shops when he was in high school. Not until his senior year did he find his “dream” coffee job at Altera Coffee Roasters in Milwaukee where he worked around huge roasters producing thousands of pounds of coffee a day and met with people traveling to Guatemala and Brazil on coffee-buying trips. “The energy, the culture and the seriousness of the staff was intoxicating,” recalled Maegdlin who received a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of Wisconsin and worked as a stock broker before becoming a banker. Before he and Kane launched their joint
effort, Maegdlin, 29, who lives in Grayslake with his wife, Alexandra, a consultant for Winger Marketing in Highland Park, had started selling coffee he roasted himself online under the Hansa name which he said he chose in homage to the medieval trading guild, the Hanseatic League, known as the Hansa. His family on his father’s side, he said, came from Rostock, Germany, which is also known as Hansestadt Rostock. Kane, 62, who lives in Libertyville with his wife Janet, a retired teacher, is part Irish and part Italian, but all-American as a businessman. With a B.A. degree in communications from John Carroll University, he worked as a bartender on Rush Street before becoming a commodity trader at the Chicago Board of Trade and later a banker. It was while working as a bartender that he said learned the importance of good customer service which he made a pivotal point in their coffee business. In any event, one day the two men decided
Tessa Downs, a barista and assistant manager, displays a beautiful heart shaped coffee she created for a customer.
Besides selling coffee by the cup and coffee beans by the bag from several single origins and blends, Hansa is opening its whole-
photos by Tina Johansson Libertyville Attorney Anthony Moree chats with general manager and barista Adam Paronto after picking up his daily coffee. Employees at Hansa often recognize customers by name.
their future was in coffee and quit their jobs as bankers. Before long, they were driving to Indianapolis to pick up their espresso machine bought on E-Bay. Hansa Coffee Roasters was born. “We’re happy we finally opened our own business. Tom (his partner) is actually better than he said he was. Because of that, we really have superior products and unmatched customer service,” said Kane.
sale market to restaurants. And it plans to open another café when “the right location comes along.” Always trying to offer the best possible coffee, Kane said, “We’re the biggest critics ourselves in what we do,” adding, “We’ll continue to invest in people (employees) and in our products.” More coffee photos on page 12
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theYOUjournal July 2015
Help refurbish key piece of art by shopping in Lake Bluff “Third Thursday’s” in charming downtown Lake Bluff is offering more than just deals and extended shopping hours. The event which kicked off last month is helping to raise funds for the restoration of a historic piece of art that once hung above the fireplace in the East Elementary School, a former historic landmark constructed in 1895. In 1923 Lake Bluff artist Marguerite Gribi Kreutzberg was commissioned to paint “The Meeting of Marquette and Joliet,” which was displayed in the school in 1926. The mural depicts a meeting between missionary the Rev. Jacques Marquette, explorer Louis Joliet and local Native Americans on Lake Bluff’s north ravine in 1673. The signature, tall, trapezoid-shaped piece was salvaged during the 2011 demolition of the elementary school which had been located at East Sheridan Place. East Elementary closed its doors in 2009 after a new school was built. Third Thursday features special shopping and dining experiences at Lake Bluff busi-
nesses on the third Thursday of each month through September. Ten percent of the purchases made on these shopping days will be donated to the Lake Bluff History Museum to assist with mural refurbishing and re-installation. The museum plans to restore the piece to its original condition which includes repairing some damage which occurred from its’ removal. A thorough cleaning of the oil-oncanvas work will also be done. It will be installed in Lake Bluff’s Village Hall board room, where residents can continue to enjoy the masterful work. Officials estimate renovation costs and re-installation to be $12,500. Already about one-quarter of the goal has been raised, said Pam Russell, vice president of the museum board. Re-installation of the mural is scheduled for September 20 to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the village incorporation. Donations may be made by mailing a check to the museum at 127 East Scranton Avenue, Lake Bluff, Illinois, 60044. For more information call 847-482-1571.
The historic mural created by Marguerite Kreutzberg is approximately 14-feet tall and 4-feet wide. The Lake Bluff History Museum is raising funds for its restoration and re-hanging in the Lake Bluff Village Hall. Lake Bluff History Museum
by Tina Johansson
Sixth annual Highwood Bloody Mary Fest to raise awareness for Jordan’s Corner people for taste, presentation and garnish among other criteria. “Because people can vote, it gives them a feel of more active participation,” said Zanotti-Ori. The contest judging will begin at 2 p.m. The winners of both the “Best Bloody Mary” and “The People’s Choice Award” will be announced at 4:30 p.m. There will be food, a beer truck, and drinks as well as live entertainment including Zydeco Voodoo Band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Project Two Music from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. This year the event is to raise awareness for Jordon’s Corner, a fitness and boxing organization that works with children and teens with special needs. Zanotti-Ori is on the Jordon’s Corner board. She also leads fitness and boxing classes for the organization kids on Saturdays in Highland Park during the school year with help from high school volunteers. “Jordan’s Corner is amazing local pro-
The 6th Annual Highwood Bloody Mary Fest will take place July 26 ffrom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live entertainment, food and drink will be offered.
Highwood Chamber of Commerce
As befitting the Dining Capital of Lake County, Highwood will again host its annual Bloody Mary Fest Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Everts Park. Already mixologists from near and far are honing their recipes and skills for the coveted title, “the Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest,” according to its sponsors including Miss Mary’s Bloody Mary Mix and Van Gogh Vodka. It may be an old-fashioned drink, but Bloody Mary’s will never go out of style. Some are a meal in themselves. “People absolutely love the fest. It has gotten bigger and better each year with a huge attendance,” said Jennifer Zanotti-Ori, president of Highwood Chamber of Commerce. “Getting to see all the fun garnishes vendors put together is really one of the things people look forward to the most,” she added. The entries will be tasted and judged by a panel of “celebrity experts” and also by the
gram that gives children with special needs a unique outlet for focus, health & wellness and socializatio through boxing and fitness training. It’s such a wonderful program that is offered free to kids between the ages of 7 to 16, with the help of many local hight school
volunteers, It is truly a great foundation that is close to my heart,” said Zanotti-Ori.- Tina Johansson
Fodrak’s owner Jim Lappas put a lamb on the spit, just as he promised he would, if the the Blackhawks won the 2015 Stanley Cup. They did, and he did! And when the team reached the finals in 2013, the Libertyville restaurant owner roasted a lamb too, making a promise in advance if they won the title. In late June Lappas generously invited customers and friends to enjoy the succulent lamb he cooked up to celebrate the recent great win. The popular Fodrak’s restaurant famous for its’ ribs and gyros is located at 327 S. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville.
Fodrak’s
Restaurant owner cooks up lamb for Blackhawks win!
Jim Lappas checks on the progress of a lamb he is roasting in front of his Libertyville restaurant. He did this also in 2013, both times for the Blackhawks Stanley Cup win.
theYOUjournal
July
2015
7
Someone You Should Know
Andrea Foreman talks motivation, spirituality and why she collects dragonflys Andrea Foreman is co-founder of Financially Fit Women Chicago, a new support group dedicated to providing education for women who want to learn how to take more control of their finances and build a secure future for themselves and their families. She can be reached at 847-269-1547 or via email at FinanciallyFitWomenChicago@gmail. com. The group’s information can be found by visiting www.FisherFinancialGroupLLC. com. Andrea Foreman is definitely someone you should know! What did you want to be when you were a little girl? My father had a beautiful voice and loved music. There was always a record playing in our home. He listened to all the classic artists such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Mario Lanza and Dean Martin. I actually know all the words to their songs. So, my dream was to become a lounge singer. I saw myself standing next to a piano player singing songs from that era. I still dream about doing that someday. They say it’s never too late to reinvent yourself! What motivates you to work hard? You will see from my answers that I am a very spiritual person. My mission is to make a difference in other people’s lives. I receive emails from women all over the country who thank me for sharing my story with them. They say it has empowered them to make some serious financial changes in their lives. It’s an incredible sense of accomplishment! If you weren’t running Financially Fit Women, what would you be doing? I’ve had some twists and turns along the way that have led me to exactly where I want to be. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it’s clear to me now that I had to go through my experiences to get where I am today. My goal is to make sure women of all ages don’t follow in my footsteps or make the financial mistakes I did.
What’s your favorite book or movie? My favorite book, which I refer to as my bible, is The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson. The idea is that we are all meant to prosper in every aspect of our lives. The universe will ultimately compensate and give back. So, if you truly give of yourself, the success will come! That’s the main reason I founded Financially Fit Women Chicago. I wanted my past financial mistakes to have some meaning and purpose. So, I made the decision to share my story with the hope that it will help other women to prepare for their financial futures.
close friends and family. What one thing would you change if you had to do it over? Nothing. If I could do it over I would do it exactly the same way. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without hitting rock bottom and bouncing back up. I am proud of who I am and I don’t have any regrets whatsoever. Name one thing you wish you could change about yourself? To see the glass half full all the time. I strive to stay positive.
Financially Fit Women Chicago
by Alisa Bay
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? This also reminds me of another favorite book of mine by Mitch Albom, For One More Day. It’s about having the opportunity to spend one more day with a lost loved one. I would choose to spend a day with those I have lost just to tell them what a difference they had made in my life and how greatly they are missed.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? I have two words, dark chocolate! I am a hopeless chocoholic and could seriously live on dark chocolate alone! If money was no object, what would you do all day? I would take long walks. Walking has always been therapeutic for me. Getting in touch with nature and simply having the ability to walk is a true gift in itself! What is the best gift you have been given? The best gift that I have been given is that I am open to miracles. I am aware of the blessings I receive and do not take them for granted. Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without? I could not go a day without talking to my
Andrea Foreman, Co-Founder of Financially Fit Women Chicago teaches women to take control of their finances.
two children. I have a son who is 17 and a daughter who is 20. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t tell them I love them. What would you do if you won the lottery? I would help out all my friends and family who are struggling financially. I know firsthand how it feels not to have enough money for food and shelter. It makes you physically ill. I’m hopeful that through my group, Financially Fit Women Chicago, I can raise awareness so no woman will ever feel financially insecure. What is your favorite childhood memory? My father had a full head of hair. I remember hanging onto his hair while sitting on his shoulders in the pool. I was afraid of water and I felt so safe and protected by him. What does your perfect day look like? Spending a quiet day at home with the love of my life, Dan Fisher, my children and my
What really makes you angry? People who are disrespectful of others. We all put our pants on the same way. We should treat others the way that we want to be treated. What are your hobbies? One word for this....shopping! Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’d like to be in exactly the same place as I am today, surrounded by loved ones and helping women to get Financially Fit. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life? An old friend of mine told me just the other day that I look like Demi Moore. Well, I don’t think Demi would be flattered by that, but I sure was! I’ve always admired her strength and sexiness. Do you collect anything? I collect anything that has a dragonfly on it. My brother passed away at 52 from cancer. After his death, I discovered that he collected anything with a dragonfly, so that became my passion in his memory. I have a dragonfly tattoo and believe it or not, dragonflies follow me around in the summer, not kidding. I’ve been told that some cultures believe they are the souls of those who have passed. I’m a believer!
Visit Libertyville All Summer Long Car Fun on 21 (Cook Park) July 15 - September 16 Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Enjoy music and shiny machines on Church Street between Milwaukee Ave and Brainerd Ave. In Cook Park there will be entertainment including: July 15 - Sagebrush August 19 - Sneezy September 16 - Herb as Elvis Food will be provided by: Culver’s of Libertyville and Fine’s
All cars 25 years and older are welcome each night during the event! For more information, contact MainStreet Libertyville at 847-680-0336. Experience Shopping at the Sidewalk Sale (Downtown) July 24 and July 25 Join the merchants as they offer sidewalk bargains. Come early for the best selections. Spend the day browsing for “treasures”, then stop for lunch or a sweet treat at one of the many restaurants.
Convenient free 4 hour parking in the covered parking garage on Lake Street is a half block to Milwaukee Avenue. Out to Lunch (Cook Park) Now through August 21 Fridays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy live bands and choose a delicious lunch from among 10 food vendors in Cook Park. Stop by the MainStreet tent in the park to enter our free raffle for a $25 MainStreet Gift Certificate! Bands include:
July 10 - Sagebrush July 17 - King Henry July 24 - Sneezy July 31 - David Dallison & Friends Aug 7 - Peter Cimbalo Aug 14 - The Thad Sutter Band Aug 21 - The Sipos & Young Band Food Vendors include many local eateries. Libertyville Farmer’s Market (Downtown) Now through Oct. 22 Thursdays 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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theYOUjournal July 2015
Restaurant Row
Fresh dining at an old standby Waukegan Yacht Club under new management
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eQoinne Rice and his wife Naomi of Gurnee have recently taken over management of the Waukegan Yacht Club, turning the longtime eatery into a destination dining establishment with live music and an upscale menu. Rice, formerly of Waukegan, manages Terrace at Siver Place next to the yacht club. The seasonal outdoor dining and entertainment venue is in its second year of operation. Some upgrades have already been made to the yacht club and plans are for more, including an outdoor bar. Matthew Lampei of Waukegan is executive chef. Lampei has experience working in Chicago and Highland Park. “Everything here is fresh, nothing is frozen,” said LeQoinne, who previously worked for Lettuce Entertain You restaurants and Trump International Tower in Chicago. “We wanted to substantially upgrade this place to bring exceptional dining to Waukegan. Why go to Chicago, if you don’t have to?” he asked. - Tina Johansson
A must try is the refreshing WYC Mojito. Grilled bread and whipped butter comes to every table.
Classic shrimp cocktail beautifully plated, with homemade sauce.
LeQoinne and Naomi Rice are managing the Waukegan Yacht Club.
Tina Johansson photos
A popular menu item is Berkshire Pork Chop with braised collard greens, fuji apple puree, and lardons. Ahi tuna tartare with slivers of plum and coconut miso foam
LeQuoinne’s children with his mother - their grandmother Felicia Rice. Left is Siena, 6, and LeDaethan Rice 10. Felicia of Waukegan said she raised LeQuoinne single-handedly and he grew up close to her. The two were always cooking up things in the kitchen. LeQuoinne said at an early age he got his passion for the food service industry from his late grandfather Aaron who owned the Silver Dollar tavern in North Chicago. Nothing says homemade like bread pudding for dessert.
theYOUjournal
July 2015
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Restaurant Row
The closest thing to Chinatown is China Town Restaurant by Tina Johansson
Elaine Rogers licked her chopsticks after dipping them into the fiery-sweet sauce that enveloped her lunch of orange chicken on a recent weekday afternoon. “I am addicted to this, and I always ask for it extra hot,” she said with a smile and a quick bite of the crunchy bird meat. For Rogers, a resident of a far north suburb, the common Hunan dish at China Town Restaurant in Morton Grove is better than most. “For me, it’s worth the drive,” she said. For those in the know, the eatery located at the corner of Dempster and School streets, also means a variety of very good Cantonese and Szechuan selections. Eggplant in sticky, black garlic sauce is a must try. It is both lovely to look at – purple in color – and delicious; and is always served piping hot. A dish not on the regular menu (you’ll have to ask for it) is beef satay. The slices of meat have a charbroiled flavor, and are served in a dark, delicious gravy. The dish gives off a smoky, grilled flavor that is hard to stop eating, even for this eater who is light on red meat! Large batter-fried oysters are plump, decadent and obscenely rich. Try them, but you’ll
Chef Jiang has worked at China Town Restaurant for more than ten years. Here he prepares a steamy stir-fried dish.
need a dining partner to help put a dent in them, especially if you’re having them as an appetizer. Seasonal favorite of Chinese connoisseurs is ong tsai, a fresh, bright green vegetable that resembles tiny bamboo stalks that are hollow and crunchy. They are a personal favorite of ours. If you’d like some fish, be adventurous and forgo the fillet. Get the whole thing instead and you’ll taste it practically jumping off the plate – it’s that good. Tilapia and flounder are freshly caught for you in the lower level aquarium. Lobster and crabs are also fished out from tank, and are among the best eating you will get anywhere. In fact the Canton fried lobster is another favorite eaten by us every New Years Day and other holidays. Also not on the regular menu is Chinese casserole including squid, shrimps, tofu, vegetables all in a rich sauce and brought to you in a little pan. The popular Chinese dish Mapo tofu is an excellent choice. While Mapo tofu is available at most Chinese restaurants, at China Town Restaurant it is hot and satisfying. People don’t come to China Town Restaurant for the décor which happens to be somewhat outdated. And they certainly don’t come here for the ambiance. But they do undoubtedly come here for the food.
“We have good food with generous portions, and our prices are quite reasonable. That’s why people keep coming back,” said longtime manager Jen Zhu.
Fresh, seasonal greens called ong tsai, are a must try. China Town Restaurant is at the southwest corner of Dempster and School streets in Morton Grove.
Above, a myriad of dishes including (clockwise from top) fresh seasonal green vegetables, eggplant in garlic sauce, whole steamed tilapia, and fresh stir-fried lobster Cantonese style.
China Town Restaurant
6121 Dempster Street Morton Grove 847.967.8992 or 847.967.8822
Delivery available Open: Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
China Town features authentic Chinese cuisine from several regions. The most popular items served here are: *Sesame Chicken *Orange Chicken *BBQ Pork Wonton Soup *Combination Fried Rice *Mongolian Beef *Beef Chow Fun *Pojo Frito (fried chicken skin)
The quality and generous portions are what keeps people coming back, says Jen Zhu, manager above right. An owner of China Town Restaurant is Danny Chen, left. Chen handles some of the cooking at the place.
For something out of the ordinary try the stir fried eggplant in garlic sauce, the beef satay, deep fried oysters, and fresh whole steamed fish. Seasonal greens including pea sprouts are also recommended.
Henry Chen with a plate of lobster. He helps out at his uncle’s restaurant as often as possible. Henry’s late father was one of the owners here.
Customers enjoy a private party in the lower level banquet room.
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theYOUjournal July 2015
How to Stay Sane While Remodeling Your Kitchen by Steve Westlund
Doing a kitchen remodel is both exciting and frustrating. Everyone fantasizes about their dream kitchen, but actually going through having one of the most important rooms in your home under construction, even short-term, can be tough. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your sanity during your remodel: 1. Choose a designer who you like not just because of the business they’re affiliated with, but because of who they are as a person. This is going to be a long term-relationship, so you need to find a kitchen designer that you can relate to and get along with. If you don’t like the first or even second or third designer you meet with, find someone else! 2. Familiarize yourself with your designer’s process. Just as dentists clean your teeth the same way every time, every kitchen professional will have a process and should let you know how they do it. A high-quality kitchen designer will have a design agreement that will be signed before any design occurs. Remember, a good kitchen designer will be able to get you a superior kitchen for less money than a designer with a “free” design.
3. Make a timeline and listen to your designer’s advice. They are professionals and know what a realistic timeline looks like. Sit back, relax, and be patient – your dream kitchen will take time to come to fruition, but it will be worth the wait! 4. Be prepared to tell your designer exactly what you want. What colors are you considering? What quality of products are you looking for – stock, semi-custom or full custom? What overall value are you looking for? What designs have you found that you like? Bring examples with you when you meet with your designer. A kitchen remodel is a lot like baking a cake. It’s fun to make a list and buy all the ingredients, but if you don’t take the time to read your recipe and follow directions to put it all together, it doesn’t end up tasting very good. When you mix properly and follow the directions, it turns out perfectly. Remodeling a kitchen may not be fun all of the time, but by keeping these tips in mind, you will achieve the kitchen of your dreams!
Design Quartet at Ravinia photos
A new kitchen can be fun and exciting to plan, but make sure to take the time to research and follow certain guidelines, says expert designer Steve Westlund.
Design Quartet at Ravinia can plan, design and implement kitchen remodels that create a quality living and dining space for any concept, budget and family. Check us out today at http://www.designquartetatravinia.com/.
Teachers come up with easy way to feed working families New business offers wholesome, tasty meals to cook while you’re away by Long Hwa-shu
Keith Eigenrauch and his wife, Megan, are both teachers. And like many working couples, they don’t have time to cook from scratch after work. The Eigenrauchs who live in Libertyville didn’t want to make a habit of eating fast food, concerned with the preservatives used in it and the boring taste after eating it for a while. They also didn’t want to eat in restaurants too often because that can become costly. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” So this couple has become entrepreneurs – launching a startup recently by making and selling frozen “home-made crock pot meals” after experimenting the idea by giving samples to friends and neighbors to try them out. They were encouraged by the feedback and decided to make a go of it. They took $10,000 from their savings to buy equipment including cooking utensils, a freezer and a bag sealer. They have incorporated their business under the name Culina Artis. Their meals are made with the freshest ingredients and vary for choice. “All you have to do is put it into a crock pot ahead of time and you’ll have a whole meal without the hassle of preparing and cooking,” said Keith to prospective customer at a recent Farmer’s Market in Gurnee. And while it rained cats and dogs that Fri-
day and there were very few shoppers, the Eigenrauchs’ spirit was not dampened. Stored in a freezer under the couple’s tent were plastic bags bearing labels showing a variety of meals including zesty lime chicken, chipotle chicken soup, Cajun chicken Creole, steak fajita and Texas beef, all made with non-gluten ingredients and enough to feed four to six people. The meals range in price from $17.99 to $24.99. Also available are vegan entrées and cookie dough. The packages come with information on nutrition, calories, cooking in-
structions as well as what wine to pair it with. “It’s wholesome, home-made with no preservatives, and it’s convenient and delicious,” Megan pointed out to another potential customer with a smile. Jennifer Hoxsie of Wadsworth who stopped by later with her daughter Ava, 7, called the crock pot meals a wonderful idea for working couples. “I work full time myself, but I want to make sure my husband will eat it before I’ll buy it,” she said. Afterwards, the Eigenrauchs decided they
Eigenrauch photos
Zesty lime chicken is one of the meals the Eigenrauch’s sell prepared and frozen.
Culina Artis offers three varieties of cookie dough: chocolate chip, M&M sugar cookie, and oatmeal raisin. The Eigenrauch’s family enjoying a new recipe being tried out: buffalo chicken enchiladas.
Continued on page 18
theYOUjournal
July
2015
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Restaurant Row
Marigold Maison offers a garden of flavors
by Tina Johansson
Americans are romancing Indian Food. And now that Marigold Maison recently opened in the Bannockburn Green shopping center, the lighter, upscale exotic cooking here seems all the more appealing. It’s the aromas and tastes of the spicy, sweet and sometimes tangy cuisine that beckons. Sumil Kumar, executive chef at Marigold has created wonderfully complex flavors in the regional Indian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. “It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced in Indian cuisine,” said John Kapoor, owner of the North Shore eatery which features fresh, organic ingredients and hand-crafted spice blends setting them apart from other Indian restaurants. Chef Kumar, from Punjab near New Deli, grew up cooking in his family’s restaurant. For the last twenty years he has been in the states earning his culinary chops by working in various Indian restaurants. He also has owned a few places including one in New Haven, Conn. “We’re offering guests a culinary passport to healthy Indian dining,” said the chef, explaining dishes here do away with heavy, fatty content including butter. Olive oil is used in its place, and coconut oil is used in preparation for many of the vegan dishes.
A steaming dish of chicken tikka ready to be served.
There are a number of vegetable-based items on the menu which are delicious and satisfying whether you are vegetarian or not. Saag paneer is ordered often. Gol guppa and samosas are among the Indian street food on the menu, while chicken tikka and tikka masala are popular dinner entrées. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. lunch is served reasonably and quickly, offering a welcome change of pace. Choose from soups, salads,
kati rolls, curry bowls or platters. Indian desserts and refreshments are offered along with cocktails such as the Marigold Mango Margarita and Indian beers featuring the Kingfisher and Flying Horse brands. If the territory here is new for you, the wait staff and management is happy to help by answering questions and making suggestions. And if you are at home with traditional Indian cuisine, you will be impressed by the bold, new menu creations here including whole hen, tandoori fish, and seared eggplant. In fact the eggplant is prepared with tangy tamarind, chaat masala, and mango mustard normally eaten as an appetizer, is so unique and delicious, it was lauded by well-known Chef Rick Bayless. “He came into one of the restaurants I was running in Chicago, and tried it,” said Kumar. “He told me, ‘Why didn’t I ever think of this?’” recalled the Indian chef, proudly. Named for the edible flower which is used in India for prayer, wedding necklaces and for garnishing foods, Marigold opened in Bannockburn in May. Kapoor, a pharmaceutical company owner (Akorn Pharmaceuticals in Lake Forest) turned restaurateur, debuted his first Marigold Maison in Phoenix. JNK Concepts, the restaurant group founded by Kapoor has other popular eateries under its umbrella including Roka Akor – an Asian fusion restaurant both in Skokie and Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Though the food at Marigold may be upscale, the ambiance is warm and inviting. Outdoor dining in the front of the place is perfect for these summery days and nights. And inside the 4,700-square-foot eatery, the air is filled with the aroma of spices. An open kitchen gives diners a view into the multifaceted world of Indian cooking. While freshly-ground spices line front shelves, towards the back of the kitchen there is fire. Twin tandoors, radiating heat up to 900° F standby ready to cook and smoke a variety of meats including lamb, chicken and seafood, as well as its perfect accompaniment—naan bread tinged with the taste of yogurt. As one self-described “hard-to-please”
A lovely thali for lunch featuring two kinds of lamb - lamb vindaloo and lamb curry along with naan bread, salad and gulab jamun. A platter is known as “thali” in Indian.
Marigold Maison Sumil Kumar is not only a great chef, he is quite a photographer. The photos on the wall of the restaurant were taken by him while visiting India.
2535 Waukegan Road Bannockburn 847-940-0200 Order online: marigoldmaison.com Marigold Maison photo
diner said on his first time at Marigold, “It’s a place worth coming back to!” Tina Johansson photos
The dishes at Marigold Maison are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Seared eggplant with mango mustard is popular.
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theYOUjournal July 2015
Mind, Body and Soul by Jennifer “Jen Z” Zanotti Ori
Artem Postovalov/123RF Images
Hello readers! As a professional makeup artist and esthetician for the past 14 years, I have received numerous questions from people. The most frequently asked is, “How can I keep my makeup looking great in the hot, humid months of our great Chicago summers?” Clients just aren’t quite sure what makeup to use and what type of care they should have for their summer skin. Having oily skin myself, I know firsthand how the humidity and heat can make you feel. Sometimes it is though your makeup is melting right off your face! First of all, I must say it is very important to protect your skin year-round from the sun. And this is especially true in the summer months. Using a hydrating moisturizer that is oil
Above is an example of how the right makeup and application can make your summer skin feel light and fresh while you glow.
free and has SPF is my recommendation. And yes, I said hydrating! Oil and water are Coffee continued from page 5 Hansa Coffee Roasters recently put a feature on its website allowing customers to easily place online orders for bags of coffee and have them shipped directly to their homes or offices or somewhere else for a gift. When placing the order, customers also have the option of choosing whether they would like whole bean or ground, choose whether they like it to be a “subscription” (automatically repeating) or a one time order. For information visit the website at http:// hansacoffee.com/ Hansa Coffee is at 755 N. Milwaukee Avenue (west side of road) in Libertyville. Call 847.226.8815 for the cafe, or 847.219.1955 for the roaster.
two different things. Your skin needs water and moisture, but not added oil if you have an oily skin type. Also, make sure you use a light exfoliating scrub once or twice a month. This should help slough off any dry, dead skin and keep your skin looking fresh. As for your makeup, I suggest using a tinted moisturizer, BB cream or even just your favorite concealer in problem areas where you need coverage. Go sheer. In the summer, we can go a little bit lighter. You can go sheer and still have awesome coverage, and look fantastic! But something super important to use after any cream or liquid product is definitely some kind of mineral powder. Mineral powders are a little lighter and finer and look smoother on the skin and definitely contain better ingredients. You always want to set your makeup with a dusting of powder. This way your makeup lasts longer, and that melting feeling will be kept at bay. You can use a large powder brush for a more sheer application or a smaller brush for fuller coverage. Have fun with colors too. A little pop of color on the lips, cheeks or eyes is always great in the summer. Please limit that color to only one area though. You don’t want too much of a good thing in the summertime! Lastly, and very important, let me give you a touch up note: When you do get some sweat/shine, DO NOT apply powder over it. Your powder will darken in the spots where you have oil or perspiration. You need to remove that shine first by using blot films/ papers. Once it is removed, then you can reapply. One of the best tips I’ve ever heard (it works great for all you brides, bridesmaids,
and wedding/event guests) is if you are in a jam at a venue, go to the ladies room and grab one of the toilet covers to blot your face. Seriously! Why not? It is tissue and is made of the same stuff the blot films are made from. They can be a lifesaver in those very important moments. Hope these tips help you get through the summer looking fabulous! Right, bride Courtney Mixter looks radiant in her light, summery makeup applied at Jen Z’s Beauty Services in Highland Park.
Jeremy Lawson Photography
Summer Makeup Tips: How to Maintain a Fresh Glow
Hansa Coffee Roasters - heaven for java lovers
Kevin Kane, co-owner of Hansa with some of the artwork featured in the place. The owners painted and updated the old garage to make it into the current coffee house. Jennifer Burkhart and her son Aiden, 12, enjoy cappuccino. Below, Adam Paronto waits on customers. Customers have their brew while working on laptops.
An hourglass shaped drip coffee maker, like the one Agent 0007 used, takes a few minutes, but it’s worth the wait.
Tina Johansson photos
theYOUjournal July
Brushing off what bugs us by Jennifer Lauren Burkhart
There is a saying:“Ignorance is bliss.” What does this mean? Why do people say it? Ignorance is defined as the lack of knowledge or information. It’s root word, ignorant, means not knowing, or better yet, not having the information of the mind to assess a situation. Hence, if someone is ignorant…they very well may be living without knowledge or without thought. We could take this further and wonder if they are not living through the mind then maybe they are just living in the moment. Maybe they are just living through the heart. A very dear friend of mine astounded me the other day by describing herself as ignorant. I had just finished complimenting her on her light-hearted and loving personality. Her personality radiates happiness. There is not a day that goes by that she isn’t grateful for something in her life or that she isn’t doing something for someone else. She is always smiling. I wondered if she ever gets upset about anything. When I asked her about this she said that she decided when she was a child that she would live her life differently than those she had seen around her. She said that there were too many people in doom and gloom. She never wanted to live like that so she decided to be different. She remarked to me…”Ignorance is Bliss!” She said this with a huge
smile on her face and a musical chuckle behind it. In that moment I realized something… she can be this way because she made a conscious decision to live this way. Despite the doom and gloom she saw going on around her she decided that she was not going to take any of that on and just decided to be happy… how does she do it? Ignorance…Aha! It was like a light bulb went off in my head! I began playing with the word “Ignorance” out loud…as I spoke…I began to break it down. Ignorance…Ignore-ance…Ignore-ance… Aha!!!!! Ignore Ants…Ignore the Ants! What does this mean? Ignore –ance, aka, ‘Ignore the Ants’ means to ignore the petty things in life. Ignore those pesky ants that bother us all the time. Begin to look at things differently. When you feel the ants bothering you or creeping around under your skin…simply wipe them away. Ignore the Ants. Ignore the little things. They are just bugs that are bugging you. Why let them? They will only keep bugging you the more you put your attention on them soooooo….. Ignore them… Ignore the Ants! It does not mean that we are not taking responsibility for ourselves. It does not mean that we are any less of a person. It only means that we give up the small things so that we can truly live. Laugh out loud, laugh often, smile and smile big, and ignore the little things. Do they really matter anyway? When it gets
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Mind, Body and Soul there! Ignore the Ants and you just might feel ‘child-like’ again! Ignore the Ants and you might finally be freed from all that you have been unconsciously holding onto that you didn’t need anyway! Ignore the Ants and who knows what may happen the possibilities are limitless! Next time you are outside enjoying the world around you; tune into the world within you that wants to live! Ignorance can be blissful if we Ignore the Ants. Let’s live blissfully.
Jennifer Lauren Burkhart is from Libertyville
right down to it what you are doing when you ignore these things is you are losing the grip of judgment and fear that accompanies our thoughts when we begin to put our attention on the pesky things. Ask yourself, “Does it really matter anyway?” Let it go…let them go. Ignore the Ants and we let go of the judgment, which allows us to be free! Ignore the Ants and you might just feel your heart beating one with the joy that has always been
Jennifer practices the art of Restorative Energy. She combines years of experience in multiple energy modalities to tailor to the needs of her individual clients. The goal is always to remove perceived blocks to allow for your authentic self to shine through. More information can be found on Facebook at JLIntuit & her blog at www.JenniferLaurenIntuit. blogspot.com her website will soon be at www.JenniferLaurenIntuit.com. She can be reached at JenniferLaurenIntuit@gmail.com & by phone 224-5007797.
Join Senior Helpers to hear Teepa Snow on July 23 Nationally Recognized Educator to Provide the Latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
to advertise with
the
YOU
journal Call 847.293.7028
the second presentation is for family caregivers and friends of those with these diseases. The special CEU Workshop: Managing Difficult Dementia Situations in a Clinical/ Professional Setting is being presented from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Whether you attended last year or not, Snow will be presenting new information that will help you learn the latest strategies and techniques so you can improve communications and relationships with your clients, and help them live as successfully as possible with dementia. The fee for three CEUs is $25 for professionals, and the fee for attendees not requiring credits is $10. Breakfast and networking begin at 8 a.m. The Family Presentation: Life Changing Ideas for Families Struggling with Alzheimer’s/Dementia will be presented from 5:00-
6:30 p.m. at the same location. Sign in and refreshments begin at 4:30 p.m. At both of these programs, Ms. Snow will explain how to: • Improve cooperation and interactions • Understand why they are thinking and acting the way they are • Learn new ways to communicate effectively • Introduce you to activities to provide positive stimulation and reduce stress • Ways to enhance quality of life • Reduce fear, delusions, aggression and difficult behaviors The Senior Gems Alzheimer’s/Dementia Program has been created by Teepa and Senior Helpers. It is endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the American Society on Aging.
Going Places Anthony Roberts, senior vice president and international chief information officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, has been named the company’s global chief information officer. He replaces Tim Theriault who stepped down June 1 for personal reasons. Theriault will continue to serve as a consultant and as senior advisor to Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and acting chief executive officer on matters including cyber security.
“The seminars will provide essential information on how to have a positive and meaningful relationship with individuals affected by these cruel diseases,” said Bob Tucker, qualified dementia care provider (QDCP), co-owner of Senior Helpers Northbrook office. “Many people in the healthcare field look upon Teepa (Snow) as an inspiration. She is an advocate for those living with dementia, and has made it her personal mission to help families with overwhelming issues,” said Abbie Tucker, co-owner of Senior Helpers. To register go to www.regonline.com/chicago2015pro. For the family program, call 847-563-2343 or visit: www.regonline.com/ chicago2015fam. For more information call: 847-564-7500. As international chief information officer, Roberts has led the transformation of information technology across Alliance Boots which was created in December through the merger of Walgreens and Alliance Boots, making it the world’s largest retail pharmacy.
Walgreens
If you have a patient, client, loved one or friend with Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia you may want to join Teepa Snow to discover how to help improve their care, their life...and yours. This program is being brought to you by Senior Helpers In-Home Caregivers and features nationally recognized dementia expert Teepa Snow. Snow has appointments at Duke University’s School of Nursing and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine and a long-term education agreement with Senior Helpers. There will be two workshops presented on July 23 at The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Avenue, in Evanston. One is for healthcare professionals, while
Anthony Roberts has been named Walgreens Boots Alliance global chief information officer
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theYOUjournal
July 2015
Waukegan to host photo exhibition saluting military by Long Hwa-shu
“Those Who Serve,” a series of pictures depicting soldiers at training and then at war in Afghanistan, will be shown at an exhibition, Sept. 11 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Urban Edge Gallery in downtown Waukegan. The pictures are by Ryan Spencer Reed, an award-winning photo-journalist, who was embedded with the 506th Infantry Regiment with which he spent a year starting in the spring of 2013 when the soldiers went on training at Fort Campbell, Ky., and then deployed to Afghanistan. The exhibition is being sponsored by the Waukegan Arts Council. “The Waukegan Arts Council is proud to mount this exhibition of Ryan Spencer Reed’s powerful photographs telling the story of the experiences of young soldiers when we send them to war on behalf of our country,” said Lori Nerheim, council chairwoman. The exhibition, she said, will be the centerpiece of the 2015 ArtWise Community Cultural Arts series featuring performing arts, writer’s and film presentations. Reed, 36, of Ludington, Mich., who came from a family with a tradition of military service, was given special access to the soldiers in part because his cousin was a company commander of the regiment. His grandfather was a World War II bomber pilot. “I was initially drawn in by how little I understood of a soldier’s life despite having a close relative in the military,” Reed wrote on one of the volumes of the collection of his photos. Such access enabled him to portrait military life, especially in the war zones, in an intimate way because he lived and worked along and among the soldiers. One heart-thumbing picture he took shows a sergeant viewing the birth of his first child over Skype in Afghanistan with the doctor holding the infant son for him to see. Another records the treating of a wounded comrade by medics on the battleground. Others show various aspects of military life-all of them heart-warming. Of the hundreds of men, some
Photographer Ryan Spencer Reed with one of his many photos to be on display in Waukegan. This particular one is especially moving. It features a soldier who was watching his baby being born via Skype.
never returned home - a cruel reality of war. “I was disturbed by how few Americans understood the wars being fought in our name,” said Reed who attended Woodland Middle School in Grayslake. He received his B.A. in physics from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., intending to study medicine. He took photography as a hobby and became a photo-journalist because “pictures shape the world.” The exhibition undoubtedly will help people in Lake County better understand the dedication and sacrifices of the soldiers called on to serve our country. “I believe people will walk away feeling
deeply moved and with a much better understanding of our shared humanity through the prism of art,” said Nerheim.
Right, Reed discusses the photos selected for his upcoming exhibition.
Top right, a poster about the exhibition which will be displayed at the Urban Edge Gallery from September 11 through Veterans Day November 11.
Tina Johansson photos / theYOUjournal
Moraine Township Launches Pilot Program to Feed Students Over Summer Vacation Moraine Township has launched a pilot program to provide bags of breakfast/lunch food during summer vacation to students who qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program during the school year. The effort is made possible thanks to tremendous support and donations from the community, and partnerships with the schools, “With one of every four elementary students in Highland Park and Highwood qualifying for the federal free/reduced lunch program, and use of the Moraine Township Food Pantry increasing, food insecurity is an unfortunate reality in our cities,” notes Moraine Township trustee Amy Zisook who is co-chairing the effort with township clerk Gail Brown. The issue was raised last fall during a hunger summit convened by the township. Highland Park High School counselor Alesia Margetis noted that vacations are stressful times for students because they are not being fed
at school. The township tested the program during school vacations in December and March, and residents responded positively. Township resident and area Realtor Marjorie Rissman is leading a group of volunteers to raise the funds to provide the food this summer. Rissman notes that “I was a single parent, but a lucky one. My kids went to camp and, unlike these children, never had to wonder when their next meal would be.” School District 112 and Highland Park High School partnered in the effort by reaching out to qualified families who were invited to “opt in” to the program. More than 225 bags will be distributed to qualified families every two weeks for the 10seek school vacation. For further information call Moraine Township at 847-432-3240 or email super@morainetownship.org. Visit: www.morainetownship.org.
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13th Annual Gurnee Fishing Derby July 11 The Gurnee Park District invites area youth to the 13th Annual Fishing Derby held on Saturday, July 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Fishing Derby will take place at the pond located in Hunt Club Park, near the Aquatic Center, at 900 Hunt Club Road in Gurnee. This free event is open to all youth ages 5 through 11 years of age. Prizes will be awarded for the most fish caught, biggest fish and smallest fish. Bait and poles will be provided, but participants should bring their own poles because only a limited number of poles will be available. This event is sponsored in kind through generous donations from Knauz Motor Park and Prairie Orthodontics. For more information or questions, contact Frank Hahn at 847-599-5481 or e-mail at FHahn@gurneeparkdistrict.com.
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The value of a Vacation, whether it be a “Staycation” or “Workcation” - by Dr. Jeannie Aschkenasy, licensed clinical psychologist -
Stress related symptoms bring many individuals into my office seeking assistance. Some present with chronic headaches, stomach aches, insomnia, feeling “stressed,” racing thoughts, and a lack of energy, or general malaise. Some enjoy the work they do, some do not, and some are looking for work. One factor that many of these individuals have in common is a lack of what we now refer to as “down time” - many of these individuals have a difficult time taking time off from work. The number of unused vacation days seems to be on the rise in America – we have a very difficult time taking time off and “getting away.” The ability to “turn off” has become more and more difficult, as our computers, and
smartphones make us available 24/7. However, just because one can be available 24/7 does not mean that one should be available 24/7. In fact, the importance of “down time,” in preventing work and life “Burn Out” cannot be emphasized enough. “Staycations” are on the rise, as they are ways of taking a vacation from work, staying in your place of residence, and taking advantage of all that your place of residence has to offer. This has become a less expensive alternative to family time together, with each member of the family choosing an activity. There is the obvious financial benefit of no hotel costs, plane fares, however, it can sometimes be challenging to act as if you are out of town, when you are not.
“Workcations” are also on the rise, as they are a way of combining work with a change in location. With a “workcation”, you still work an 8-10 hour day, however, you work remotely or from a vacation destination. Many in the business world report returning to their work place refreshed and it is as if they had taken a vacation without the cost, or taking the days. No matter how you chose to spend time away from work, it is important to try to do it. Of course, much depends on your job, your status, and legitimate, or not legitimate concerns about job security. If you are going to spend your entire vacation worrying, the vacation, and time away, may defeat the purpose.
It is important that you figure out how to take a vacation – even if it is a “mentalcation” – practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, visual relaxation, meditation, or taking a 10 minute walk, or break. Medication can also help, but it does not teach how to reduce stress. It might help reduce the stress so you are able to learn or practice other stress-reducing techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help with stress reduction. It is important for you to learn how to relax – and reduce stress. If you do not learn to take time for yourself – your body will do it for you. Dr. Aschkenasy may be reached at: 312-726-4464 docjeanniea@gmail.com or docjeanniea.com
Highland Park native to star in The Winter’s Tale in Oakbook - July 8 - Aug. 9 First Folio Theatre in Oakbrook will present “The Winter’s Tale” as part of its annual outdoor Shakespeare Under the Stars series, previewing July 8, opening Saturday, July 11 at 8:15 p.m., and running through August 9. Pack a picnic and experience the Shakespearean classic. The spellbinding story of jealousy, love, and the price of both is directed by Jeff Award-nominee Alison C. Vesely. The cast is led by Melissa Carlson (Highland
Park native), Diana Coates, Ryan Czerwonko, Kyle Haden, Kevin McKillip, Michael Joseph Mitchell, Kevin Theis and Ann Marie White. The artistic team includes scenic design by Angela Weber Miller (artistic associate, four time Jeff nominee with First Folio), lighting design by Michael McNamara (artistic associate, Jeff award winner for The Turn of the Screw with First Folio), sound design and original music by Christopher Kriz (artistic associate, Jeff
Never give up...
award winner for The Turn of the Screw with First Folio), Costume Design by Rachel Lambert (artistic associate, Jeff award nominee for Romeo and Juliet with First Folio), and props design by Cassy Schillo (artistic associate, Jeff award nominee for Salvage with First Folio). Performances will take place at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St. For tickets call 630.986.8067 or online at www.firstfolio.org.
Highland Park native Melissa Carlson stars in The Winter’s Tale July 8 - August 9 in Oakbrook.
First Folio Theatre photo
Celebrate Ice Cream Day and Gay Marriage with free Ice Cream July 19 is National Ice Cream Day, and Max’s Delicatessen & Restaurant in Highland Park is celebrating with free scoops of rainbow Ice Cream to honor the legalization of gay marriage! Max’s Deli is thrilled to introduce its new ice cream counter in conjunction with National Ice Cream Day. Recognized as Highland Park’s newest ice cream destination west of the Edens Expressway, Max’s will be scooping free rainbow (or any flavor) Ice Cream to every customer who says, “Love Wins!” on this day. “We are looking forward to serving as the only ice cream parlor on the southwest side of Highland Park,” says chef and co-owner, Joey Morelli. “This is such a special time in History and it falls at the perfect time with National Ice Cream day right around the corner. We have outdoor seating for large families and sports teams to sit and enjoy their dessert in the great outdoors.” The perfect treat for the entire family on a hot summer day Max’s Ice Cream Parlor is a winner for all ages. Come out on National Ice Cream Day and support gay marriage, says Morelli.
Max’s Delicatessen & Restaurant photo
Joey Morelli, an owner of Max’s Deli which features a new ice cream counter. Say “Love Wins” and get a free scoop of ice cream July 19.
Genesee Theatre wins TripAdvisor award third year in a row Jennifer Zanotti Ori, Highland Park business owner and president of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, celebrated a recent win in Oak Lawn. As a Brazilian Jui Jitsu competitor, Zanotti Ori earned a double gold during the U.S. Grappling Submission Only Tournament. Here she enjoys the win with coaches Ilya Bodnya of Ilya’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Highland Park (left), Jeff Serafin of Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Evanston. Way to go Jennifer! -Jennifer Zanotti Ori photo
The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan strives to make customer service and patron experience the highest priority. In the last few years it has increased the horizon of its focus to building improvements, technical advancements, and increasing the number and quality of shows that perform there. The community has noticed and has taken to TripAdvisor to spread the word. For the third year in a row, the Genesee Theatre is the proud recipient of the Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor. Congratulations Genesee Theatre!
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My amazing second trip to the Amazon by Dr. Kathleen R. Woods
The Amazon jungle is remote, exotic and beautiful. It is an area of our planet that has yet to feel the advantages of 21st Century conveniences. This year my trip with Amazon Vision Ministries took us to the “Flooded Rain Forests” of Brazil. During dry season, communities in these areas are accessible only by canoe. Therefore, these people are more shut away from the outside world than communities which may be farther into the interior, but they are located on the Amazon River itself. The river was over-flooded this year. The water line was up about 40 feet higher than it is during the dry season. Our boat on this trip was a 35-foot triple decker “Live Aboard.” How strange it was to be traveling down corridors of water, flanked on either side by the top halves of trees only. The birds were incredible. Large green parrots, purple-hued birds diving for fish in front of our moving boat – the way they dipped and careened. They reminded me of our barn swallows when they go for mosquitoes in the
Natural rope fiber ready for loading onto canoes to ship to market in the Amazon.
early evenings at home. The weather was hot and steamy, but what a beautiful breeze! Our travel took us to four different villages – each a nucleus in and of itself. The people were once again welcoming and delightful. Two of the villages stated that they had not had a dentist visit their communities in over ten years. The oral health issue I found definitely confirmed this. As it was last year, my service as part of the Amazon Ministries team this year was to relieve pain and, when possible, restore teeth back to function. Others on the team shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet another set of volunteers supplied medical services. While on the Amazon in 2014, I extracted 103 teeth and restored 104 – a pretty even split between what could be saved and what could not. This year was different – 90 percent of what I encountered and treated in the flooded areas of the rain forests involved chronic abscesses. I saw a total of 258 patients in eight days, and extracted 303 teeth. After one very busy and focused day, we realized that I had extracted 61 teeth in about 6 ½ hours. God truly does give us great strength and perseverance when we least expect it! As far was fillings go, I restored only 38 teeth on the trip. There were, of course, many more teeth that needed restoring. However, since we were in each village only two days, we treated patients with pain first. It is humbling to see the strength of the people of Amazons. Many of the men were treated at the end of the day, because they were insistent that the women and children be treated first. The most heartfelt experience on the 2015 trip for me is this: I had just finished extracting two teeth on a woman who is in her 30s I’d say when she burst into uncontrollable sobs. Of course, this greatly concerned me. I stopped everything and asked through my interpreter, “Are you in pain?” A negative shake of the head came from her.
Kathleen Woods photos
Highways of water which are corridors of travel for the Amazon people. While the climate was hot and humid, there was sometimes a gentle, welcoming breeze.
“Are you upset about your treatment?” Again came a negative shake of the head. I informed everyone we were not going to continue with anything else until I found out why this lady was so distraught. So we waited. It took her five or six minutes to regain her composure. Then she explained that she was actually very thankful for we had done for her. She had been in pain for years with the teeth we had removed, and was relieved to be free of pain. But she was crying for her 12-year-old daughter who also had an abscess. She could not gather the courage to let me extract the offending tooth. The mother stated that they had waited ten years for our team to get to them, and she was upset because it may very well be another ten years before another missions team came back to the village. I hope not. I know I will be back with the Amazon Vision Ministries next year doing all I can for the people there. For the time I was in the Amazon, it was quite a joy and honor to be part of a team of Christians to bring both spir-
Give a “paw” up to Pet food donations needed help dogs in need!
itual and physical healing to a people half a world away.
Dr. Woods with two assistants work on a patient. In eight days she saw 258 patients and extracted 303 teeth. 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.
First Redhead Festival a success!
Our House of Hope, a non-profit rescue dog organization in Libertyville, invites you to “paw” 5 - 8 p.m., July 21, at Culver’s, 803 E. Park Avenue in Libertyville. Culver’s restaurant will donate a portion of the proceeds of the sales from that evening to the medical fund of Our House of Hope, according to the charity. For more information about the Culver’s Care fundraiser, call 773-552-4673 or visit www.ourhouseofhoperescue.com.
Jim Stoecker
Charity fund-raiser at Culver’s July 21
Highwood has declared the first Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate held last month to be a major success. More than 2,500 people from around the country partipated, some as far away as Baton Rouge, LA, Albuquerque, NM and Mesa, AZ. Redhead Days is a festival originating in Breda, Holland that seeks to unite the global redheaded community through their three core values of bonding, pride and recognition.
Jim Stoecker, owner of Alex’s Washington Gardens restaurant in Highwood, honorary Redhead and event organizer gathered as many Redheads as possible for a large group photo, an attempt to break the world record for most redheads in a photo set at the original Redhead Days in Breda, Holland. “While we did not quite break the record, we had a great time trying, especially for a first run at it,” says Stoecker, who is looking forward to next years fest.
theYOUjournal
July 2015
Local author, nutritionist Carol D’Anca talks about trips to Italy
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YOU can go too!
If you’ve been to Italy before, you’ve probably never seen it like this. Carol D’Anca, local board certified nutritionist and author offers the rare opportunity for experiencing the lifestyle and culture of the “real” Italy while enjoying great accommodations at the family owned hotel San Francesco on the Amalfi coast of Italy. Her recent trip this past April included cooking demonstrations, visits to the ancient and stunningly beautiful cities of Ravello, Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento also included a trip to the Island of Capri and the bustling city of Naples. Meals are specially prepared by Neapolitan chefs and the same chefs show participants how to prepare their local specialties on two mornings during the trip. D’Anca of Highland Park holds dual citizenship with Italy and the U.S., speaks Italian and shares the area of her family of origin like you’ve never seen it before. She has just announced a second trip this year that is taking place October 23 –November 2nd. More information is available through email at info@foodnotmeds.com. You can also reach Carol D’Anca by calling 847.894.7581.
A group cooking class at Hotel SanFrancesco.
Left, a glimpse of the ancient city of Positano, Italy.
Right, Ravello Italy and it’s stunningly beautiful landscape.
Carol D’Anca photos
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Culina Artis is featured at local Farmers Markets including:
Business focuses on easy, wholesome meals degree in school administration. Keith teaches at the Waukegan Middle School and Megan is a teacher at Meridian Middle School in Buffalo Grove. Their crock pot meals, they say, are not only targeted at working couples. “Because of their convenience, they are perfect for senior citizens who no longer want to cook,” said Keith, adding that they are equally ideal for expecting couples and people in difficult times like grieving families. The couple is also selling their products via the Internet at Keith@culinartis. Com. However, at present customers have to pick up their orders at their tent at the farmer’s markets.
Cajun chicken Creole from Culina Artis makes a good meal easy in the crock pot.
rayslake Farmers Market G Downtown Grayslake on Center St. and Slusser St. on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. through September 23 Gurnee Farmers Market Esper Petersen Park on Grand Ave & Kilbourne Rd. on Fridays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. through September 25 Buffalo Grove Farmers Market Mike Rylko Community Park at 951 McHenry Rd on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. through October 11
Tina Johansson / theYOUjournal
would give out some samples at the next market so that people can taste what they sell. “It’s a new concept for a lot of people. They have to taste it first,” Keith said. Their luck struck at the Farmer’s Market in Grayslake the following Wednesday when they sold out every package they had with them. “Apparently, people have heard of us from word of mouth,” said Keith, reporting the good news from Savannah, Ga., where he was vacationing with his wife after working so long and hard to get the venture going. All the meals, they say, are prepared in a commercial kitchen in Highland Park which they rent by the hour. Helping to prepare them are his mother and his mother in law, said Keith, a 2005 graduate of Warren Township High School. They use recipes from a variety of sources, modifying them where necessary. “I wish I could pay them. Right now, they are volunteering for us,” he said, pointing out that their venture has yet to break even. “We’ll make it,” he said confidently, acknowledging, “But we have a lot of marketing to do.” The young couple, both 28, met at Northern Illinois University where they received their bachelor’s degrees – he in special education and she in elementary education. He later earned a master’s degree in reading from Concordia University. Megan is doing graduate study at Concordia for a master’s
Ravinia Farmers Market Nils Jensen Park on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 28
Megan Eigenrauch, right, explains some of the dishes to Cindy Kreppein of Gurnee as well as Little Miss Gurnee Teagan Friedlander, far left, and Junior Miss Lake County Gurnee Melissa Kreppein. (Miss Gurnee Julia Dennen was not present)
Art collector makes generous donation for 27th annual Gogh Green! July 24 - August 14 The Art Center Highland Park (TAC) invites the public to “reclaim, reuse and repurpose,” as it hosts its 27th annual Gogh Green! Recycled (Pre-Owned) Art sale from July 24 through August 14. Art aficionados can get a ‘first look’ at an exclusive opening benefit auction on Friday July 24 from 7-10pm, while enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Tax-deductible tickets are $65 in advance or $75 at the door. All proceeds will benefit education in the arts. “One’s old art is another’s to treasure,”
says Gabrielle Rousso, Executive Director of The Art Center – Highland Park. “Each year it is so rewarding to see how excited people are as they stroll through our gallery of recycled art and choose their style to reclaim, reuse and repurpose.” The sale includes thousands of pieces that have been donated to TAC from private collectors, galleries, estates and institutions throughout the year, including paintings, prints, ceramics, decorative objects, vintage posters, silver, antiques, sculpture, art glass,
jewelry, and more. TAC is thrilled to announce that it is the recipient of an incredibly generous donation from a private Chicago art collector. This individual has accrued art and sculptures from all over the world for the past 30 years. Of all places he could have donated to, it landed at TAC. This contribution has undoubtedly enhanced the art industry in Chicago over the years and now it will be available for sale at Gogh Green. “I cannot begin to describe how honored
and thrilled we are to house this collection. We are beyond grateful to all of our donors over the year whose artwork is being ‘recycled’ and displayed at the Gogh Green event,” says Rousso. Gogh Green! Recycled (Pre-Owned) Art Sale will be open to the public July 24-August 14 at TAC, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on how to donate or purchase tickets to the opening event, please call 847-432-1888.
Free Saturday afternoon concerts in Highland Park The public is invited to enjoy free live music this summer at the inaugural season of Jammin’ in Jens Jensen Park., 486 Roger Williams Avenue in the Ravinia District in Highland Park. The concert series will go from 11a.m. 2p.m. weekly, through the end of August (except July 4th), weather permitting. Featured will be an eclectic mix of world, folk, and jazz musicians. Families are encouraged to visit one of the many local eateries in the Ravinia District for a picnic in the park. “Jammin’ in Jens Jensen Park will be a festive experience for the whole family to create lasting memories.” Jammin’ at Jens Jensen Park is brought to you by The Highland Park
Community Foundation, Life Rhythms, Inc., Field Violin Workshop, Phil Goldman Photographic Design, and Uncle Dan’s. For more information visit the Jammin’ in Jens Jensen Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/JamminInJensen or call 847.432.6000. The concert schedule is as follows: July 11 11:00 a.m. String Theory plays acoustic music from the 50’s up to present day. July 18 11:00 a.m. Jared Rabin playing a variety of music genres on numerous instruments.
July 25 11:00 a.m. Jordi Kleiner & Friends combine rock, folk, Irish, blues, and string music. August 1 11:00 a.m. Lakeside Breeze plays a diverse range of music genres and instruments. 12:45 p.m. Buddha Blue Band plays blues and soul music. August 8 11:00 a.m. Radio Free Honduras playing Latin Folk music. 12:45 p.m. Akasha with a 70’s authentic reggae sound.
August 15 11:00 a.m. Off The Wagon playing acoustic country and jazz. 12:45 p.m. Don Stiernberg Trio playing mandolin jazz music. August 22 11:00 a.m. Open Mic 12:45 p.m. Neal Alger Trio playing jazz music. August 29 11:00 a.m. Departure playing covers of The Grateful Dead’s hit songs.
theYOUjournal July
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2015
My Assignment in the Sun-baked Southwest by Jay William Stephen
In the fall of 2005, before the crash of the real estate market, I was contracted and sent out to Nevada and the Southwest to help train photographers in taking pictures of properties and homes for sale. I was already familiar with the Midwest, the green forests of the Smoky Mountains, the blue oceans of the Southeast, the amber fields of the farming Plains and the metallic cities of the East Coast. But I had only been exposed to the desert Southwest as a child, long before I developed an eye for photography. So when the wheels hit the runway at McCarran International Airport in Nevada, it opened an entirely new spectrum of color and beauty for me. Most of the next six months spent in Nevada would involve long days of training and traveling within Las Vegas and surrounding communities. I found Las Vegas to be the quintessential adult playground, much like Six Flags Great America is for kids. Beyond the ‘strip’ and the lights, things seemed pretty shallow. Though lacking an obvious draw, the outside area did include a host of interesting characters. I found that non-natives inhabit most of Las Vegas. Seemingly four main categories make up the core population—casino owners, casino ‘victims,’ casino staff, and retirees. With my workload, time to play casino games was limited. I did on occasion, have time to listen to music; so I would set out to find an underground music scene or a small blues bar. It was difficult though, because most of it came with the facade of lights and bells. Since I had several open weekends I decided to venture out. A couple of local photographers advised me where I could find the type of music I had been looking for. I traveled to the famous Mojave Desert, a drive which sometimes included road-less journeys, beating up my rented Ford Explorer pretty good. It was fall, but the heat still lingered, even in the early morning hours. The forecast was an unseasonal 110 degrees, but I figured I had already fought the extremes of the Midwest, and I was determined to capture what I could when I was there. After traveling for some time on Interstate 15, I broke from the road into the desert, and drove until I came upon red mounds of rock that form the Valley of Fire, the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. The area is named for the magnificent red sandstone formations that were formed from great shifting sand dunes during the Mesozoic Era, more than 150 million years ago. These brilliant sandstone creations can appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays. Other important rock formations include limestone, shale, and conglomerates. There are times when photographers are so busy thinking of exposure and shutter speed, that we fall flat on living the real experience. So I laid down my camera, and for more than an hour I did nothing but look out at the splendor and magnificence in front of me. While in the Southwest I also had the opportunity to visit some family, albeit a five
hour drive to Phoenix where I caught up with cousins, and my rugged Uncle Butch – a welder, and a nomad of sorts. In his rusted Chevy van we traveled a somewhat dangerous trip to the Apache Trail and Canyon Trails. The experience was worth the risk and one I will never forget. The following February, I packed up my gear and flew back to Chicago. When the plane landed I shuddered at the nine degree temperature, thinking back to the heat waves I’d experienced during my memorable stay in the beautiful Southwest.
Photos by Jay William Stephen
A breathtaking view of Canyon Lake in Arizona at dusk. We traveled in an old Chevy van on dirt roads to get here. The lake is one of four created by dams from the Salt River.
DElICiOUs & AFfORdABlE Looking across the Valley of Fire from 300 feet up. Sometimes the roads are empty for long stretches of time.
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