June 2015 theyoujournal

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Issue VIII June 2015

“Our Focus is on YOU!” Young Barbers Realize Their Dream

What’s Inside

Please turn to page 5 for the story

NorStates Bank back in the Green!

Page 3

Jay Stephen on the effects of Lake Michigan Page 19

Brandon “B” Correa styling the hair of Luis Gomez of Waukegan.

-photos by Tina Johansson

Someone You Should Know Page 4

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theYOUjournal

theYOUjournal Established 2014

June 2015

Dying Beauty

Business at a Glance Longtime Business

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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Your suggestions, comments and story ideas are welcome.

Fresh-picked tulips from a garden in Wadsworth. Below, the same flowers at the end of their lives, still vibrant with color. photos by Tina Johansson

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theYOUjournal June

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2015

More Inside

After Seven Years....

NorStates on its way to profitability

By Long Hwa-shu After a profitable 2014, the first in seven years, NorStates, Lake County’s homegrown bank, reported a positive first quarter of this year – a harbinger of better things to come after years of wrenching losses.

NorStates made a profit in 2014 of $530,000, the first since 2007, compared with a loss of $1.2 million in 2003. The bank reported a net income of $180,000 in the first quarter, while for the same quarter a year ago it lost $677,000.

While the profits seem modest, they represent milestone achievements nevertheless, when compared with the swirling red ink in the past.

“We’re on the path for solid growth organically and to expand our market with new branches,” said a confident Scott Yelvington, president and chief executive officer, at the May 21 shareholders’ meeting. NorStates which traces its origins to 1919 has eight locations.

“Essentially, we’re a new bank,” he added.

A $25-million capital infusion and the sale of two bank branch properties, plus cost-cutting measures, apparently helped the once beleaguered bank to turn the corner. The fact that the economy has improved with construction and the housing market on the upswing, contributed to the change of fortune.

“We have steadily improved the bank’s financial conditions – well enough to attract $25 million in capital investment from investors across the country to recapitalize the bank,” said Yelvington who was brought in

by Fred Abdula, the late patriarch of the bank who served as CEO and chairman for nearly three decades.

Abdula was grooming him to be his successor at a time when the bank, as many other community banks across the country, hobbled by the housing crisis, was in financial straits. With its huge exposure to commercial real estate loans, NorStates saw its assets pared in half from over $800 million to $400 million. With mounting losses as borrowers

Above, shareholders and directors at NorStates Bank’s annual meeting. Above right, Jack Blumberg, director since 1991.

Wow! Stunning Outdoor space ideas Page 6

For the Love of Chops Page 9

Scott Yelvington, president and CEO of NorStates Bank addresses shareholders at the recent annual meeting at the bank headquarters in Waukegan. -photos by Tina Johansson defaulted, it suspended its dividend payout in December 2008.

A publically-traded company, it saw its share price dropping from a high of $30 to less than one dollar. It borrowed $17 million from the U.S. Treasury under the government-sponsored bailout program known as TARP (troubled asset relief program).

At the shareholders’ meeting, it was disclosed that the bank was victimized nearly seven years ago by a $10-million fraud per-

petrated by an equipment acquisition company. Allan J. Jacobs, board chairman, assured that the bank had since “tightened up its lending policy so that nothing of this magnitude would ever happen.”

With the $25-million infusion for which NorStates issued additional 83 million shares, Yelvington said the bank was able to pay off the government loan at a discount, acknowledging, however, that the new shares had the effect of diluting the value of old shares. The bank currently has 87.6 million shares outstanding with book value per common share at 38 cents as of March 31, compared with minus $1.84 a year ago.

To help reduce non-performing assets, the bank sold the building housing its downtown Waukegan branch to an unnamed Chicago developer. It is leasing back only the space needed for the branch. It also divested the five acres at the corner of Grand Avenue and Green Bay Road where its west Waukegan branch is located. The building containing the branch will be torn down and a new redbrick branch will be built to replace it.

“We want to be a bank, not a landlord,” explained Yelvington, pointing to the high cost of being a landlord – having to pay property taxes, insurance premium and maintenance expenses. Both buildings have been occupied by tenants for spaces not needed by the branches.

As of March 31, NorStates’ total assets reached $432 million, up 2.3 percent from the year-end of 2014. Its total deposits were at $364.6 million, up from $347.3 million from a year ago. Outstanding loans totaled $217 million including $15 million in what is described as “problem loans,” for which it set aside $100,000 for the first quarter as “a super safe allocation for possible losses.”

Yelvington said NorStates is poised to expand its market, stressing that “we are not fixing it for sale.” As a community bank, NorStates is continually heavily involved in commercial real estate loans but is extra cautious in vetting loan applications.

“We’re not in a selling mode. In fact, we’re in a buying mode. We’ll be around for a long, long time yet,” he reiterated.

Spoil Dad for a Day! Page 7

Come join the Gingers Page 12

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theYOUjournal June 2015

Someone You Should Know

Kelly Moyer: Founder of Tails of Hope

by Alisa Bay Tails of Hope is a no-kill, non-profit animal rescue and adoption organization located in Highland Park. Founded by Kelly Moyer, Tails of Hope’s mission is to help the elderly, chronically ill, and terminally ill find new homes for their beloved pets. In addition, Kelly is dedicated to ending the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats. It was Kelly’s father, Dr. Robert Moyer, whose compassion for his pets and his courageous battle with leukemia, is the person who inspired Kelly to establish Tails of Hope in 2003. It is Kelly’s firm belief that, “until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains un-awakened.”

Since launching Tails of Hope, the organization has found loving homes for more than 2,000 animals that belonged to the elderly or terminally ill, or that would have been euthanized. Kelly Moyer is definitely someone you should know!

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

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a veterinarian.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I’d live right here in the United States, truly the very best country in the world.

What would you change about yourself if you could?

Hmmm…where should I begin?

What motivates you to work hard?

What motivates me to work hard is my desire to make a difference in the world.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is caring for and supporting my dad through his struggle with terminal leukemia. He had a genuine passion and love for all animals. Tails of Hope was created in his memory.

If you weren’t running Tails of Hope, what would you be doing?

I would definitely be volunteering at an animal shelter. I believe that we all have a purpose while on this earth. Mine is to save animals and hopefully some people along the way.

What’s your favorite TV show, book or movie?

I am a huge Downton Abbey fan!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

If I could do anything I wanted for an entire day, I’d spend the entire time in my pajamas with my dogs, watching movies, and reading a great book.

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

It would have to be the Chicken Caesar Salad from Blue Grass (in Highland Park) with a Van Gogh blue martini.

Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?

I’d want to be stranded with my Great Danes, Sampson and Frankie.

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

If money were absolutely no object, I would rescue as many animals as I could, drink martinis, and take naps!

How would your friends describe you?

My friends would describe me as little off center (okay, well maybe a lot off center!) and passionate about what I believe in. They might also say that I’m a workaholic.

Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Easy question…my dogs!

Kelly Moyer and her Great Dane Sampson. - photo courtesy of Kelly Moyer

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I’d build a “green” animal shelter. That’s always been my dream.

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

I’d want to share a meal with my dad, Jane Goodall and Steve Jobs.

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

No question about it…I’d have to say Meryl Streep.

Tails of Hope is located at 1628 Old Deerfield Road in Highland Park. For more information, call 847-557-9554 or email tailsofhope@aol.com. The website is www.tailsofhope.org. If you would like to help support Kelly’s mission, she does have a wish list for her animals including fleece for bedding, laundry detergent, paper towels, canned dog food, Odaban spray, scoopable cat litter, towels and bleach. Monetary donations can also be made on the website.

Going Places

Engineer named manager of the year Jon Nelson, traffic engineer with Lake County Division of Transportation, has been named the professional manager of the year in engineering and technology for 2015 by the American Public Works Association.

Nelson is being honored for developing a robust fiber optic communications network that connects over 500 signalized intersections in Lake County. His work makes it possible for motorists to navigate local roads

more efficiently and thereby reduce travel times.

Paula Trigg, director of transportation, in taking pride of his achievement, said, “Those of us who work with Jon everyday are con-

Jon Nelson

tinuously impressed by his professional approach and technical vision as he develops, implements and promotes the expanding use of new technologies.”

theYOUjournal

June

2015

Former classmates find their calling in barber business

W

by Tina Johansson hen the hair-challenged Donald Trump sports his signature ‘do, observers may not think it’s cool.

The owners of Coiffure Barber Lounge in downtown Waukegan may disagree. Albeit in name only, the combover is something they create often here.

“We’re doing a lot of old school cuts like the combover. And a lot of nice gentlemen’s cuts that are slick on the sides; even the pompadour,” said Brandon “B” Correa, 28, one of the owners of the nearly three-year old business. “We’re bringing the old style cuts with a modern touch so it stands out more.”

Unless you are a regular to Genesee Street, the little shop tucked between storefronts is easy to miss. Once you step inside, you will be impressed. Larger than it appears, you are greeted to tall ceilings and urban hip hop playing throughout the rectangular structure.

Warm golds and burgundies mixed with mirrors and chrome, offset the modern-day barber shop that welcomes young male clientele.

“We’re not your typical barber shop, hence the barber lounge,” said Ismael Santana, Jr., co-owner, known as “Santana” or “JR.” He and his business partner, former classmates and longtime friends who graduated from Waukegan High School in 2005 got into the barber business while still in school.

“In high school we started messing around with hair, and used to cut our own and our relatives’ hair,” said Santana. “Pretty soon our friends began asking us to do theirs.”

Santana and Correa attended barber school in Chicago, got licensed, and honed their craft working for others before deciding to open their own place. They say they got lucky to find the building, but it needed a total makeover. The two used their design skills to help transform it into the sleek, current venture.

“You could say we got really lucky. This was the first place we looked at when we were thinking about having a business. We wanted to keep it at home (in Waukegan)” said Santana. “What better place than to be

on downtown Genesee Street?”

For the two, the business is a dream come true. Explaining how happy his family is for him for what he has accomplished, Santana became teary-eyed. “I have achieved my dream. And yes, my parents are so proud.”

On his personal Instagram page, Correa says he feels “blessed” by his talents and the business. “Sometimes I feel like my (hands) aren’t even mine that are doing the work,” he writes.

At the shop Correa said, “I like to focus on detail and for my cuts to be real sharp and clean. As perfect as possible. A haircut is important for a lot of guys.”

For others eyeing the barber business, Correa says he would definitely recommend it. “I think it’s a great career choice,” he said.

Santana has these words of advice: “Don’t stop. Just keep going. That’s what I would tell people who want to get into this field.”

Top right, Ismael Santana Jr. gives a haircut to Marco Santana of Kenosha, Wis.

Bottom right, Coiffure Barber Lounge is at 25 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan. The busienss was started less than three years ago by two freinds.

Above, an example of a combover-fade combination haircut.

THE GENESEE THEATRE FILM SERIES RETURNS THIS SUMMER! The Genesee Theatre was Lake County’s favorite movie theatre from 1927 to 1982 until it was renovated into the luxurious live entertainment venue it is today.

Larry Frievalt, ticketing and patron services manager of the Genesee, has made it his mission to keep the tradition of film alive in the theater. The tradition returns next month with a series of classic titles for the summer!

The Genesee Film Series Schedule: • Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 PM: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off - The 1986 John Hughes Summer Blockbuster • Thursday, June 25th at 7:30 PM: Back to the

Future - Celebrating its 30th anniversary, go back in time with Marty & Doc Brown.

• Thursday, July 9th at 7:30 PM: American Graffiti - To celebrate the return of Scoop Waukegan, cruise to the Genesee for this 1973 classic.

• Thursday, August 13th at 7:30 PM: VertigoCelebrating the 116th Birthday of the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.

Tickets are $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for seniors (65+), kids under 12, and Military with ID. The Genesee Theatre Box Office, 203 N Genesee St., Waukegan. 847-2636300.

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theYOUjournal June 2015

Summer Tips for Improving Your Outdoor Living Space

by Steve Westlund, Design Quartet at Ravinia The time to move outdoors and enjoy the nice weather has finally arrived! Do you have a deck, patio or screened-in porch?

Midwest spring and summer are short-lived, so why not take a month or two and build something that can be enjoyed for years to come? Here are some tips to help make the most of any outdoor living space.

1. Plan. In order to make the most of extending any outdoor living space, you need to have a plan in place. Laying out a process for your project from start to finish will alleviate future issues, concerns and delays that can be costly and stressful. This is true for both indoor and outdoor projects.

2. Hire a Professional. The importance of working with a designer or project manager will far outweigh any discounts that may be received by hiring the neighbor or the two individuals you met at the local home improvement store. Aside from building and product knowledge, these professionals will be able to tie the design and flow of your outdoor space with the rest of the house in a functional and fashion-forward way. Their experience will allow them to see a problematic corner of the yard as a beneficial storage area. Or, they might opt to keep the maple tree that you were going to cut down and build a workable and attractive deck.

3.

Take Your Time. Rushing through a project to get it done in time for your upcoming graduation party or family reunion is a sure-fire way to make mistakes. For example, in the Lake County area, the land is very flat. A patio that is just slightly sloped toward your house can drain a lot of water in a short amount of time right into your foundation walls and eventually, your basement. Take the time to plan and execute your projects well the first time around in order to avoid these types of problems in the future.

A new outdoor living space like this can be an enjoyable place to relax and entertain. But be sure to do your homework first, and research the type of outdoor furnishings that will suit your needs before making that purchase. -Photo by Daniel Baigelman, AIA, Full Circle Architects, Highland Park 4. Do Your Research. After you have hired a design professional and settled on the project, outdoor furniture is usually at the top of people’s minds. There are a lot of choices with outdoor furniture. Think about how you will use the space and what kind of furniture would be appropriate. Do you want tables and chairs or an outdoor kitchen? What are some safety considerations for families with young children? Will you primarily be using your outdoor space to entertain friends? Do some research to figure out what makes the most sense for your space before purchasing your furniture.

Steve Westlund has over 30 years of experience in the home design industry and is one of the founding members behind Design Quartet at Ravinia. Design Quartet at Ravinia can plan, design and implement interior and exterior projects that create living spaces for any concept, budget and family. http://www.designquartetatravinia.com.

The Best of Everything (in our opinion)

Roll on into Ming Toy for Egg Rolls

The egg rolls we like best can be found at Ming Toy Chop Suey in Waukegan. photo by Tina Johansson

In our readership area of eastern Lake County including the North Shore, the best Chinese egg rolls in our opinion can be found at Ming Toy Chop Suey Restaurant in Waukegan, a family-owned retro place that’s been around for years.

The egg rolls here are just plain delicious--take it from us. The minute you get a whiff of them, your taste buds will be tingling. They are crispy on the outside, and incredibly tasty on the inside.

One bite and you will understand. If you place a to-go order, it won’t be easy driving wherever you’re going, without devouring the whole thing. (Warning: they are piping

hot!)

They are flavorful in a way that few others can claim. Ming Toys’ include meat and not just cabbage. They come in chicken and combination shrimp and pork -- our favorite.

Both are only $1.60 each.

Dab them into, or slather them with Chinese hot mustard which is sure to open your sinuses, or try some of Ming Toy’s special sweet and sour sauce that comes in little cups. We prefer to mix ‘em!

Ming Toy is at 3139 N. Lewis Ave. in Waukegan. Call ahead at 847. 623.7990. by Tina Johansson

theYOUjournal

June

2015

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Restaurant Row

Dine with Dad this Father’s Day

by Alisa Bay A necktie, a new watch, a round of golf, a tee-shirt with his favorite sports team?

There’s no doubt that any of these gifts would make dad smile and feel the love. But, if you’d like to treat him to a memorable Father’s Day meal, you’re sure to find something he’d like from the list of restaurants below. Happy Father’s Day from our family to yours!

Beelow’s NorthShore 1850 2nd Street, Highland Park www.beelowsnorthshore.com 847-780-3300

mony with one another, and Chef Augie has a knack for marrying flavors that are unexpected, yet completely synergistic. For Father’s Day, why not try Harry’s Fettuccine (fettuccine tossed in an Alfredo cream sauce with fried prosciutto, then baked in a Parmigiano crust)? Lovers of skirt steak will enjoy Chef Augie’s version with roasted jalapenos, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. An appetizer, that’s more like a main course is sausage and peppers, a customer favorite! If dad is watching his waist, the Kale and Quinoa Salad is a sure bet.

Buca di Beppo 604 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling www.bucadibeppo.com 847-808-9898

Bobby’s Deerfield 695 Deerfield Road, Deerfield www.bobbysdeerfield.com 847-607-9104 Celebrate fatherhood and paternal bonds with several steak specials and craft cocktails at Bobby’s Deerfield.

Chef Augie is passionate about his food and it shows in every menu item. From inspiration to vision and from kitchen to plate, his food is full of comfort and absolutely delicious! His philosophy is simple: a dish should be long on quality and short on complexity. Fresh ingredients must work in har-

Gerhard’s offers delicious desserts to sweeten up dad’s day.

scrumptious offerings are sure to please!

Among their most popular items are sthe NY Cheesecake with strawberries, Carrot Cake (one layer of cake, topped with a cream cheese frosting, and a special lemon glaze on top of that), German Chocolate Cake with coconut and pecan filling, Apple Crumb Pie, the Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, and a deliciously refreshing Key Lime Pie. Gerhard’s is not open on Sundays, so please call and order ahead. Dad is sure to enjoy every single bite!

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie www.mccormickandschmicks.com 847-763-9811

Prime Rib at Beelow’s is unmatched.

Since the early 1920’s, Dan Beelow’s family farm has been an important part of the Lake County landscape raising cattle and hogs, and growing grain crops. As part of the 3rd generation of Beelow farm owners, the restaurateur is sharing locally raised cuts of beef and pork from his family’s prized stock at Beelow’s NorthShore (which recently opened in downtown Highland Park). For Father’s Day the restaurant will be offering a brunch buffet ($39 for adults, $21 for kids 10 and older, and $10 for children ages 3 to 9) featuring 10 different entrees plus a carving station, made-to-order omelets, snow crab legs, salads, and desserts. The restaurant will also be offering their regular menu with includes Ribeye Steak, New York Cut Striploin, Skirt Steak and London Broil. Dan’s first restaurant, Beelow’s Steakhouse, is located in Lake Zurich (763 S. Rand Road).

Brunch will be served there as well, along with their regular menu.

Mignon, the Porterhouse Steak, the Signature Cut Prime New York Strip, and the Bone-In Veal Chop. If he prefers poultry or seafood, the Honey-Chili Glazed Salmon Fillet and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes are winners!

Dad will love family style dining at Buca di Beppo.

Looking for the perfect place to take Dad on his special day? Gather the whole family and head on over to Buca di Beppo! At Buca, you’ll find an attentive and friendly staff that will tend to all of dad’s dining needs and make him feel right at home. The entire family will enjoy a fun, high-energy atmosphere that will have dad talking about his Buca experience for days to come. Buca’s authentic Italian cuisine is served family-style, perfect for sharing, and their menu is large enough that even the pickiest of eaters will find something delicious to enjoy. Plus, with all of his children and family spending quality meal time together, Dad will be sure to leave the table happy! Among the most popular dishes are the Baked Ziti, Chicken Marsala, Veal Saltimbocca, Shrimp Florentine, and Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. For dessert, the Mt. Vesuvius Lava Cake is a must order!

Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts 720 Western Avenue, Lake Forest www.gerhardsdesserts.com 847-234-0023 If dad prefers a more traditional Father’s Day at home, grilling hot dogs and burgers in the back yard with family and friends, then consider ordering some incredible sweets from Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts.

Using only the finest ingredients, without any artificial coloring or preservatives, Gerhard’s

The winner of the 2015 “Chicago Concierge Favorites” award, McCormick & Schmick’s is the perfect choice for Father’s Day. From fresh seafood and shellfish to aged steaks and garden fresh salads, the staff’s goal is to exceed dad’s dining expectations!

The award-winning menu features seafood from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant also sources products from local ranches, farms and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes including mixed grill selections, pasta, steaks and specialty meats. A distinctive feature of the restaurant, which dad is sure to love, is the beautiful bar area that offers a relaxed and comfortable environment to enjoy a wide variety of wines, beers, classic drinks and trendy cocktails. Toast dad this Father’s Day at McCormick & Schmick’s!

Morton’s – The Steakhouse 699 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook www.mortons.com 847-205-5111 This Father’s Day, Morton’s is offering a prix-fixe three-course meal for $59 per person. The chef was still planning the menu at the time of this writing, but it will be posted on the website in early June. If you’re looking for a gift that dad can enjoy at his convenience, consider Morton’s special gift card offering. If you purchase $250 worth of gift cards, you’ll receive a complimentary $50 card to use at Morton’s any time between June 1st and September 30th. With an award-winning menu and a commitment to quality, consistency and genuine hospitality, Morton’s knows how to treat dad right! Top picks for dad include the Center-Cut Filet

Morton’s - The Steakhouse for a memorable Father’s Day.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse 250 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire www.sullivanssteakhouse.com 847-883-0311 Sullivan’s Steakhouse is a Father’s Day favorite offering seasonal specials, as well as their signature dishes including Roasted Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, New York Strip Steak, fresh seafood options (bacon wrapped sea scallops, pan seared Sea Bass, and Ahi

Filet is among the top choices at Sullivan’s Steakhouse.

Tuna Steak are top choices), and one of their most popular items, the American Burger (topped with American cheese, shaved lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles on a freshly baked Brioche bun; served with French fries). Sullivan’s extensive wine list is a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” and offers numerous selections from around the world to accompany every dish. Make sure that dad saves room for dessert because he’ll definitely want to indulge with Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, a slice

Send Us Your Favorite Father’s Day Photos!

We’d like to share your Father’s Day photos with our readers. Please send high-resolution pictures from your Father’s Day celebration to tina@theyoujournal.com. We’ll use as many as possible!

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theYOUjournal June 2015

Restaurant Row

Mexican Fusion Eatery Celebrates First Year

by Tina Johansson A couple who has made their dream come true by opening a Mexican fusion restaurant in Waukegan where avocado is the basis for lots of dishes, continue to give diners a trip on the fast-track to Delicious-ville.

Avocado Express recently celebrated its one year anniversary.

Owners Alix Melchor and her husband Raul Melchor of Gurnee said the name of the eatery was born from watching a dancing avocado on a Spanish television commercial.

Immigrants from Mexico City (Raul) and Guerrero, Mexico (Alix), the Melchor’s worked their way up from the bottom at various eateries, striving to have their own place one day.

“With hard work, you can have anything,” said Alix who took time out to sit in a booth and talk. The couple’s four children have been taught this same mantra, and are getting good educations, so that they can have good careers, she said.

“I tell them, when they see the rewards (of hard work) they will see that what they did was good. It was worth it,” she said.

Jesus, 22, the eldest, is a recent engineering graduate from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania; Guadelupe “Lupe,” 17, a graduate of Warren Township High School, is going on to cosmetology school in the fall; Raul Jr., 13, will enter eighth grade at Woodland School District; and his brother will be in the sixth grade.

Each day Raul works at a restaurant in Chicago in the mornings, and comes home to Lake County to wield a spatula and knife at Avocado Express. He’s hoping to retire one day soon, allowing him to be at his own restaurant full time.

Alix, a former North Shore bagel business employee spends her days and afternoons at the eatery. “You know, I used to work 8 to 10 hours a day,” she said. “Now I work 14 to 15, and I absolutely love it! I never get tired of it.”

The Melchors opened their eatery in a 30seat former hot dog restaurant across from Vista Medical Center West. The place was renovated and now has granite counters and brightly-painted walls.

“There are some very good Mexican restaurants in Lake County but we wanted something different,” said Raul. “And if you open a restaurant, you have to have a passion for it.”

Indeed the Mexican-inspired food at Avocado Express offers an uplifting experience with its fresh, homemade fare and unique ingredients which are both healthy and delicious.

Take for instance a recipe developed by Alix—the quinoa chicken salad made with romaine lettuce features corn relish, jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream ($5.99). Several panini sandwiches are available including chicken pesto, steak (new), and an avocado veggie version ($5.49 and $5.99).

Wraps are new to the menu and include our favorite—the Picaso wrap consists of lettuce, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, chili ranch, Jack

and cheddar cheese ($4.49). All sandwiches are served with a choice of fresh fruit chunks or fries, which are both very good. There are six varieties of burgers; also tacos, flautas, torta. Of the many dishes offered, at least one dozen feature the nutty goodness of avocado.

Instead of lunch, why not start your day out right with breakfast at Avocado Express?

The place opens at 6 a.m. A must try is the avocado ranchero: A flour tortilla spread with avocado sauce, beans, and two eggs any style on top ($4.49). You’ve heard of eggs Benedict. How about the avocado Benedict? This breakfast sandwich comes on an English muffin with tomatoes, spinach, avocado and homemade hollandaise sauce ($4.49).

For $3.99 you can have a fresh-made breakfast named after one of the Melchor children: Yordi’s panini. It is a hearty dish with scrambled eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese.

Try a milk shake—(Mexican style with no ice cream) including fresh fruit, mixed up right in front of you. The ‘Liquardos’ are both refreshing and satisfying and a good deal at $3.49.

Both regulars (and there are an awful lot, we are told) and new customers enjoyed five festive days of balloons and taco and pancake specials to mark the one-year anniversary in May.

A veggie wrap which includes healthy avocado and quinoa. -photos by Tina Johansson

Left, the eatery at 2632 Washington St., Waukegan just passed its first year mark.

Breakfast a la avocado. The fare here is delicious and different. Accompany this with fresh-squeezed juice--perfect!

Lunching ladies, some of them regular customers of Avocado Express are from left, Juanita Ortega, Mirium Martinez and Rosa DeLeon.

theYOUjournal

June

9

2015

Dog People

Love that funny Chops!

by Mary Neely When my daughter’s elderly cat died (we had been watching it as she lives in England), my husband Joe Cropin suggested we get a dog.

I knew we wanted a rescue dog. What I didn’t expect though was that we’d end up with a Boxer-Pit Bull mix!

I contacted Susan Elliot, senior animal control officer at Waukegan Police Animal Control to see if I could come by, as we were thinking of fostering a dog.

Waukegan Animal Control has done an outstanding job of rescuing abused and abandoned dogs.

When I got to the WAC facility, Ms. Elliot asked what kind of dog we were looking for, and I said “Whoever needs it the most.” She came out with a skinny, energetic, massively friendly dog she introduced as “Chops.”

Chops spent most of our visit wiggling around in happiness, licking all the officers, trying to get on my lap, and generally just being a sweetheart.

I learned Chops had been abandoned in a backyard pen when his owners left. He had

managed to dig hinself out and was found running around the neighborhood.

Nichole Garza, a Waukegan animal control officer told me he got right in the van and rode to animal control with her like a pro.

I thought, for him to be this friendly in the face of his abandonment was amazing!

When my husband met Chops, he fell in love instantly.

Megan Albright, from BlackDog All Breed Rescue non profit in Glenview, took our application, and we were on our way.

The “fostering” lasted about a week, when my husband announced that we could never give Chops to anyone else. He said we’d have to adopt him, so we did.

Thanks to Big Ed’s Dog Training in Ingleside and TOPS Kennel in Grayslake, Chops is a now a gentleman.

He’s smart, funny, and a great companion and friend. Chops is a joy, and we just love him!

Please remember, if you adopt a dog or cat, “It’s for life.”

And by providing a safe, forever home for a rescued animal, you will be repaid in love ten-fold!

A ‘selfie’ of Chops and Mary Neely. “He’s smart, funny, and a great companion and friend,” says Neely of her Boxer-Pit Bull mix. Neely, an artist, lives in Waukegan.

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theYOUjournal June 2015

Mind, Body and Soul

My Daily Practice

by Jennifer Zanotti Ori Something I try to do every day is meditation--even if it’s only for five minutes.

Meditation has become a staple in my life and a daily ritual. It is soemthing you can do rather quickly, and quietly.

Believe it or not, there is even an app for that! Meditation apps can help you meditate for as little as three minutes.

I know. Some people say meditation doesn’t work unless it’s for at least 15 minutes. I have to disagree. If you can quiet your mind for at least a little bit, that’s a great start.

Then you will find you can build up the time. Some of the apps available can help guide you in your meditation. These are great for beginners and for those staying focused.

A favorite of mine is the Mindfulness app.

You can also use Youtube as a resource to find thousands of types of meditations.

In fact I found it so enjoyable that we started a group-guided meditation classes at Jen Z’s as well as one on one, and Reiki consultations.

There’s no doubt that stress is a constant in all our lives. Unfortunately that can be the cause of hundreds of harmful health issues.

And of course meditation is one of many ways to relieve stress. I like to think of it as a “workout for your mind.”

It is not easy to calm the mind, but when you do, it is so very rewarding. And I promise it gets easier and easier.

When your mind is quiet and you focus on your breathing, you feel completely centered.

You will notice that constant meditation will help you become more alert, and you will go through your day with ease.

I find it can help you let go a little more and detach from problems that may or may not be yours.

This is why I highly suggest meditating for everyone. It definitely helps create a more positive attitude. Meditation is also an important part of my competition day routine (I compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). The focus that comes from it is amazing.

I challenge you to start meditating every day for a week and see how you feel when you stop. You should definitely notice a difference. And the best part, its free!

Meditation can be a great stress-reliever even if it’s for only for five minutes. It can also help you become more alert and stay focused throughout the day.

What Next After Graduation?

by Dr. Jeannie Aschkenasy Licensed Clinical Psychologist

May and June are the months of graduations--graduations from high school and from college. It’s a time of transition and, in many cases, impending separation.

High school seniors come into my office, some with a sudden drop in grades, disinterest in classes, and/or dropping out of activities.

This will frequently begin a dialogue about college: Is the time right? Going away vs. staying local? We might discuss the value of a “gap” year, which can involve anything from staying home and working, to traveling, or taking on a community service position such as with AmeriCorps City Year.

Sometimes students and parents have not really stopped to ask whether going away or even enrolling in college is the right choice and whether this is the right time.

Also, sometimes young people need permission to do something different from what has been ex-

pected.

College graduates often come into my office with the pressing issue of “What next?” Usually this is because the college student has been in a structured environment, following class offerings for a major, without having to think about future after college graduation.

And if the student has thousands of dollars in student loans, the question of “What next?” takes on increased pressure--if not for the graduate, definitely for the parents.

Many students graduate from college without a plan as to what’s next.

While the economy has improved, finding the right job can be challenging. Graduates need to be flexible as they think about first jobs after college.

It is important to manage expectations, and perhaps make a list of what is expected from the first job, both ideally and realistically. What does the graduate want to do? What is the graduate willing to do? What is the salary going to be?

Many students graduate from college without a plan as ot what’s next.

Everyone should remember that there is usually something that can be learned from every work experience, and the first job is not likely to be the last.

Finally, remember that life is a series of graduations, transitions, and separations, both physical and emotional. Learning to navigate these separations in a healthy fashion is an ongoing and important life skill, for everyone.

Jeannie Aschkenasy, Ph.D. (“Dr. Jeannie”) is a licensed clinical psychologist, with more than 25 years experience in private practice and at Rush University Medical Center working with children, adolescents, adults and families.

Dr. Jeannie Aschkenasy 180 N. Michigan Ave. #2201 Chicago, IL 60601 312-726-4464 docjeanniea@gmail.com docjeanniea.com

theYOUjournal

June 2015

11

Mind, Body and Soul

Motion Training Mimics Life’s Movements

W

by Reece Raethke hat is Functional Training?

At our studio Focused Results in Lake Forest, we focus a great deal with functional training.

Functional training is a method that prepares the body for the activities performed in daily life. It is important because it mimics common movement patterns through various exercises.

We all perform a wide range of movement activities each day such as walking, running, jumping, lifting, reaching overhead, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, turning, standing, climbing and lunging. Each of these activities include motion in the three cardinal planes of movement and involve many different muscle groups.

We make it a priority to train clients to be as functional as possible. This means an increase in overall strength and improvement in the quality of life.

But in order for functional training to work best, a few basic guidelines must be followed.

First, train unsupported whenever possible. This means try to perform the majority of resistance training while standing or moving through a range of motion and not being supported by an outside object.

Doing most of our training unsupported allows us to challenge the balance and core stability of clients more than if they were receiving support from a bench or the floor.

Training with free weights or suspension training, not machines is another good method. Free weights not only improve strength but also help to further promote muscle balance and increase range of motion.

Lastly, we like to use as many compound movements as possible. Compound movements are multiple joint exercises that work more than one muscle group at a time. Including as many of these exercises as possible allows us to burn more calories versus single joint movements. It also teaches you how to

activate multiple muscle groups together for more efficient movement.

As we discussed earlier, the main idea behind functional training is to strengthen the muscles involved in these movements through the body’s natural range of motion.

We often use TRX Suspension training for functional movement patterns, because the TRX uses a person’s own body weight as resistance. It is ideal for training functional movements without too much external load. It is also a great tool to learn balance, coordination and muscle control which are also key concepts in functional training.

For example, during a single leg squat using the TRX a person must maintain balance on one leg while also engaging the core to keep the torso upright during the entire movement.

They must be able to do this while using the muscles of the lower leg, thigh and glutes to lower themselves to the bottom and drive up to the start position -- so you know it’s going to make an impact.

Another important part of functional training is core strength. The core is the group of muscles that keep the trunk stable in everything that we do. In simple terms, the core muscles include the abs, obliques and lower back.

The kettlebell is a great tool to help strengthen the core and learn muscle integration rather than isolation. Almost every movement performed with the kettlebell recruits multiple muscle groups to complete the exercise.

The body is trained as a whole instead of individual body parts with emphasis focused on the core muscles for stabilization. Because of the large amount of muscle recruitment and wide range of movement patterns, kettlebells represent functional training in a “pure” sense.

In a nutshell, functional training, if performed correctly, will lead to better joint mobility and stability because the body learns to move with more efficient motor patterns. Improvements in these areas will decrease the potential for an injury in just about everything that we do.

Regularly including functional training in your

Personal trainer Reece Raethke oversees client Kristin as she uses the TRX Suspension system at Focused Results in Lake Forest. - photos courtesy Focused Results workouts will improve quality of life overall.

And who doesn’t want to be fit and healthy for as long as possible?

Reece Raethke is a TRX Qualified and ACE Certified Personal Trainer at Focused Results in Lake Forest. Reece studied Health and Human Performance at UW-Whitewater and has 6 years of experience in the health industry as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

Golf fund-raiser for CASA Lake County helps abused children The annual CASA Lake County Golf for a Child Invitational to help abused and neglected children will be held on Monday, June 15, said Terri Zenner Greenberg, executive director of the nonprofit organization based in Vernon Hills.

She said the event, sponsored by Aon, will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration, a delicious brunch and then an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start. A cocktail reception will be held at 5 p.m. followed with dinner and an award presentation for the winners.

All of the activities will take place at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. Kemper has provided the backdrop for the1989 PGA Championship, four Grand Slam of Golf

events, six Senior PGA tour events and the USGA Woman’s Amateur Championship.

CASA manages more than 200 volunteers who, after 40 hours of training, are appointed by the juvenile court in Lake County to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. To register for golf or to receive more information go to http://casalakecounty.com/events or call Brendan Siegfried at 847/383-6260 extension 212. The CASA golf outings last year raised over $100,000 to provide volunteers to the children in need.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County, Vernon Hills, is a non-profit organization committed to recruiting, training and supervising volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the juvenile justice system. Research shows that a child with a CASA volunteer advocate is less likely to experience further abuse; moves more rapidly through the court system; stays an average of 10 months less in foster care; and is more likely to be adopted into a safe and permanent home.

The CASA golf outing will be held June 15 at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer.

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theYOUjournal June 2015

Internationally acclaimed Redhead festival debuting first U.S. affiliate June 6 & 7 in downtown Highwood What do Ronald McDonald, Van Gogh, and Jacky Collis Harvey all share in common? They all have luscious locks of brilliant red, and they will all be represented in the rapidly approaching Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate, June 6-7 in downtown Highwood.

From top-notch entertainment and performers, and plenty of great red foods and drinks for purchase, to book signings and a baking competition, Highwood’s Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate seeks to have a little bit of something for everyone. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. It’s time to begin the Red Revolution!

Red hair is no longer seen as a curse, but a beautiful blessing, with celebrities (including Christina Hendricks, Amy Adams and Debra Messing) dying their original hair color of blonde and brunette to embrace the sizzling hot shade. Whether cinnamon, crimson, copper, cherry or strawberry blonde, Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate invites redheads of all ages, hair colors, and styles to help create 50 shades of red and paint the town red!

Even better, the festival is FREE! The City of Highwood is anxiously preparing for the flood of red, and businesses are perfecting their best red recipes and specials. Highwood is a stop on the Metra Rail, with an easily walkable Downtown, allowing visitors to taste and sample all the ginger treats their hearts desire.

Although anyone of any hair color can join the ginger jamboree, the highlight of the two-day event will be the attempt to break the world record for most gingers gathered together in one photograph. The current record sits at 1,672 and was set in 2013 in Breda, Netherlands, the hometown creator of the internationally acclaimed Redhead Days Festival.

On Sunday, June 7, from 2-3pm, event promoter, Jim Stoecker, and Ronald McDonald, will lead the parade of redheads to Highwood’s first attempt at the world’s greatest ginger gathering caught on film! All natural redheads are invited to join the march from City Hall Park (17 Highwood Avenue) to Everts Park (130 Highwood Avenue) where the overhead photograph will be taken. To make their red locks pop in the photo all redheads are asked to come dressed in a blue shirt (event shirts will be available for purchase on site).

Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate seeks to be as interactive as possible offering live music, dancing, and a carrot cake throw down competition! Both amateur and professional bakers are welcome, as they will host two separate rounds. Attendees and participants in the carrot cake throw down will have the opportunity win a gift certificate to The Redhead Piano Bar. Another weekend highlight will be the United States premier of Jacky Collis Harvey’s new book, Red: The History of the Redhead. Harvey will give a presentation at 1pm on Sunday, and attendees will be the first people to get their hands on the book before

its national release on June 9. Harvey will be on-site to sign copies, answer any questions, and greet her fellow redheads in attendance.

Specialty drinks to please every shade of red will be provided by 2 Gingers Whiskey and Van Gogh Vodka. 2 Gingers will be representing the Irish roots of red hair and freckled skin. The whiskey is distilled at Kilbeggan Distillery in Ireland, and the brand inspired by Kieran Folliard’s own fiery redheaded mother. Their signature drink, the “Big Ginger” is a modern spin on a whiskey ginger ale and sure to be a staple throughout the weekend. Van Gogh Vodka, named after Redheaded “Starry Night” artist, will be providing their specialty vodkas to be served in businesses throughout Highwood during the Fest. From Pomegranate Lemonade to Bloody Marys, Van Gogh will amp up the fun.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have such a wide variety of red come into town,” says Stoecker. “I have found that many redheads are quite passionate about their locks and am happy to reinforce their enthusiasm through this festival.”

Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate will have plenty to do for all ages at the Central Gathering Place (City Hall Park) and at businesses throughout downtown Highwood: Saturday, June 6th 10am-5pm at City Hall Park • Register to be a part of the record breaking ginger gathering • Live Music • Food and drink vendors including Van Gogh Vodka, 2 Gingers, Alex’s Washington Gardens, Redhead Piano Bar, Popcorn Jester and Jester Juice • Visit the Ronald McDonald House • Visit the Yelp! booth for great red giveaways • Get the first release of Red: The History of the Redhead (Black Dog& Leventhal Publishing) • 12:30 - Kids will enjoy participating in the “Go Active with Ronald McDonald” show • 1-2pm - Carrot Cake Throw Down will bring together amateur and professional bakers • Paint the Town Red (or Taste the Rainbow from 2-4pm) at participating businesses throughout town including Pastificio, The Bent Fork Bakery, Tap House Grill, The Humble Pub, Alex’s Washington Gardens, Longitud315, The Art of Beer, Nite N’ Gale, Toadstool Pub, and The Wooden Nickel.

Sunday, June 7th: • 10am-5pm Register to be a part of the record breaking ginger gathering • Live Music • Food & drink vendors including Van Gogh Vodka, 2 Gingers, Alex’s Washington Gardens, Redhead Piano Bar, Popcorn Jester and Jester Juice • Visit the Ronald McDonald House • Visit the Yelp! booth for great red giveaways

• Get the first release of Red: The History of the Redhead (Black Dog& Leventhal Publishing) • 12-1pm – Meet author Jacky Colliss Harvey’s as she presents and signs her new book, Red: The History of the Redhead • 1-3 - Darren the Comedian (yes, a redhead) will be spewing comedy throughout Highwood, even including a few sets on his life as a redhead, as he emcees the great gathering.

• 1-3 - Ronald McDonald will be on site taking photos and joining the parade to be the center of the Ginger Gathering photo • 2-3pm – The parade of gingers kicks off from City Hall Park to Everts Park for Highwood’s first attempt at the world’s greatest ginger gathering caught on film!

To stay up to date with the latest news on Redhead Days in Highwood, please LIKE www.facebook.com/RHDchicago or view Redhead Days official website at http:// www.redheaddays.nl.

ABOUT REDHEAD DAYS Redhead Days is a festival started in 2005 in Breda, Holland and takes place in the beginning of September. It has participants from over 50 countries and 6 continents, including the United States, Africa, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. It has gained such national notoriety that it includes affiliates now in London and Chicago. The fest has made news in BBC Magazine, and various other publications.

Below, a large gathering of redheads carrying Ronald McDonald who is perhaps the ultimate present day redhead.

Josh Aaronson, above, is a true ginger.

The North Shore resident is shown here while touring the Grand Canyon.

Highwood is seeking gingers for its acclaimed festival this month. - photo courtesy of Jeannie Aschkenasy

theYOUjournal June

2015

13

Green Thumb Lady - by Hope Forcier To Mulch or not to Mulch?

Mulching your trees and plants, if done correctly, can save you work and benefit both plants and soil.

A 2-to 3-inch layer of mulch will act as an insulator to maintain a constant soil temperature, prevent soil erosion, and help retain moisture.

If organic matter is used, mulch may add nutrients to the soil. Mulch also cuts down on weeds, in addition it stops weed whacker and lawn mower damage to trees. Mulch is a lazy gardener’s friend. You do the work up front and it saves work later.

There are many kinds of mulch. Some of the most common are stones/pebbles/gravel, shredded bark/wood, cocoa-bean hulls, and grass clippings. Here are are pros and cons.

Stones/pebbles/gravel- Benefits: Looks good and will not have to be replenished very often. Negatives: Gets hot, absorbing and reflecting heat onto your plants, can change the PH of the soil, no erosion control, because

the soil can wash out from under the mulch.

Stone, pebbles and gravel are good for lining the sides of a path.

Shredded bark/wood- Benefits: looks good, keeps plants cool, adds nutrients to the soil, stays where you put it, retains moisture, plus has good weed control. Negatives: does decompose and will need replenishing every couple of years. It is very good around trees and shrubs as well as in the garden.

Cocoa-bean hulls- Benefits: smells wonderful, looks good, keeps plants cool, add nutrients to the soil, retains moisture, and has good weed control. Negatives: can be expensive, and does decompose, usually in one season. Plus, both the wind and the critters can take them. Cocoa bean hulls are good around trees and shrubs as well as in the garden.

Clean, herbicide-free grass clippingsBenefits: Cheap, easy to apply, helps with weed suppression and moisture retention,

adds nutrients to the soil. Negatives: not as attractive as some other mulches, unless well dried, the clippings must be spread in oneinch thick at a time to prevent it turning slimy and moldy. Grass clippings are excellent in the vegetable garden.

When mulching trees, the ideal method is to take the mulch out to the drip line, but just 3-5 feet out from the trunk will still benefit the tree and save it from being abused by lawn equipment. (2 - 3 feet is enough for shrubs) It is imperative not to allow the mulch to pile up the tree trunk, as this could keep the trunk moist, which allows access for insects, fungi, and diseases. It should look like a doughnut with the hole in the middle, not like a volcano.

If any of the above mulches are spread too thick it can prevent air circulation, which could lead to molds and mildews. If this happens just rake a layer away allowing the sun to dry the mulch. If the mulch layer is to thin

it can lead to poor weed suppression, pull the weeds and add more mulch.

Wood mulch comes in various colors and varieties, but there are other types of mulch including stones and cocoa-bean hulls.

Fodrak’s in Libertyville launches program

Fodrak’s Gyros and Ribs of Libertyville launched its Lyoness CashBack Loyalty Program. Lyoness promises Fodrak’s CashBack cardholders “money back with every purchase.” As a global shopping community, Lyoness redeems points for discounts on any Shopping Point Deals offered by thousands of participating businesses.

Above, Andrea M. Trovato of Lyoness, Fodrak’s owner Jim Lappas and Manuel Salgado of Lyoness. – photo courtesy of Lyoness CashBack Loyalty Program

Word of the Month

-

Paleography:

The study of ancient writing.

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theYOUjournal

June 2015

Myra Rubenstein Weis Luncheon Nets more than $80K Support helps LIFE Cancer Survivorship Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem Keynote speaker Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., nationally known author of Better than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love, helped set the tone for this year’s Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center’s 19th annual luncheon held recently at the Highland Park Country Club.

With a theme of “A Prescription for a Happy You,” the luncheon, brimming with vibrant shades of turquoise and lime green, was attended by a sold-out crowd of over 350 people.

After attendees visited the silent auction, featuring a wide array of items from vintage jewelry and art to sports tickets and vacations, the program began by honoring Gustavo C. Rodriquez, M.D., director at the Kellogg Cancer Center and Matthews Family Chair of Gynecologic Oncology Research at NorthShore University HealthSystem. He was recognized for his ovarian cancer research, as well as for his dedication, compassion and inspiration to his patients and to others in the field.

Best-selling author, clinical psychologist and regular contributor to The Today Show, Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, followed Dr. Rodriguez with her keynote presentation, “A Prescription for a Happy You,” during which she shared how to achieve happiness and prosperity without the stress of ensuring that things are always “perfect.”

Co-chaired by Linda Clark and Ruthie Greensphan of Highland Park, Sheri Kase and Cindy Marder of Buffalo Grove and Sue Masaracchia-Roberts of Vernon Hills, the event netted more than $80,00 to support the Living in the Future (LIFE) Cancer Survivorship Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

LIFE connects cancer survivors to primary care physicians, as well as to local support networks and resources, including the Myra Rubenstein Weis Cancer Survivorship seminars. These seminars are free educational lectures that are open to the public and include topics of importance to cancer survivors, in-

cluding nutrition, exercise and genetics. Additionally, LIFE is a resource for primary care physicians to help them provide the best care to their patients who are cancer survivors.

Funds raised from this luncheon also support the Diabetes Education Programs and other MRW community health initiatives at NorthShore.

The Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center proudly promotes health education and health awareness to the communities served

by Highland Park Hospital and the NorthShore University HealthSystem community.

The Weis Health Resource Center provides free, easily accessible, broad-based information to help individuals and families make informed decisions when it comes to health and disease treatments.

For more information or to make a donation, please call the NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation at 224-364-7275 or visit www.foundation.northshore.org/mrw

Helen Hackett of Deerfield with Carol A. Rosenberg, MD, FACP, Founder and Program Director of the Living in the Future (LIFE) program at NorthShore University HealthSystem

Going Places Technology and Media Lawyer David Adler moves practice to Riverwoods David Adler, a technology and media lawyer, has moved his boutique law firm, the Adler Law Group, to 300 Saunders Road, Suite 100, in Riverwoods.

Adler focuses his practice on e-commerce, digital businesses and creative ideas. Extremely knowledgeable in these areas, Adler has been on NBC, Fox TV, WTTW and in various news publications.

This firm was formed with a distinct mission to safeguard ideas, relationships and talent.

The Adler Law Group’s multi-disciplinary practice focuses on information technology, copyright, trademark, privacy and security, as well as entertainment law. Adler’s goal is to bring a sophisticated transactional practice to the largely under served technology entrepreneur community in the suburbs.

To contact Mr. Adler for a free one hour

consultation. Please call 866-734-2568 or email him at david@adler-law.com . For more visit www.adler-law.com.

Attorney David Adler

The MRW planning committee joins best-selling author Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo (center in purple) who was the luncheon’s keynote speaker.- photos by Jon Hillenbrand

Highland Park Mayor, Nancy Rotering (center) joins Eileen Goldstein (Myra’s sister) and Eileen’s husband Paul Goldstein, MD. Dr. and Mrs. Paul Goldstein continue to honor Myra’s life and her upbeat spirit by hosting the annual spring benefit luncheon with the help of dedicated volunteers and friends.

Sari Weis with a photo of her mother, Myra Rubenstein Weis, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away in 1990.

About Myra Rubenstein Weiss Family and friends of Myra Rubenstein Weis honor her life by supporting wellness and cancer survivorship programs at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore). Myra Rubenstein Weis was actively involved in the Highland Park community. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she lived for 10 years before the disease claimed her life in 1990. Her sister, Eileen Rubenstein Goldstein, and her brother-in-law, Paul D. Goldstein, M.D., continue to honor Myra’s life and her upbeat spirit by founding the Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center and hosting an annual spring benefit luncheon with a group of dedicated volunteers and friends who help plan the event.

Summer Camp at Country Meadows Montessori in Gurnee

Summer Camp at Country Meadows Montessori School runs for 10 weeks from June 8 to August 14 for children from 3 years to 12 years old. Camp activities are balanced between morning academics, afternoon specialty classes, Thursday fun events, and Friday field trips.

Music, physical education, and outside recess are included in the everyday routine. The summer camp is open to the community and does not require previous enrollment at the Montessori School.

Preschool Camp for children 3-5 is divided into themed weeks incorporating academic subjects with practice in math, science, reading, art, and cooking. Lessons are extended outside into nature with nature walks, gardening, recycling, and composting.

Students entering first grade in the fall will benefit from the Transitional Camp for New 1st Graders designed to make the transition to first grade a successful one. Mornings will focus on reading, writing, and math. Afternoons will be devoted to art, music, sports, gardening, and outdoor play.

Elementary campers from 7-12 years old will take a break from the rigors of the school year enjoying theme-based projects in the morning.

These projects will allow the campers to use acquired academic skills to solve fun, interesting, and creative challenges. They will be caretakers of our Giving Garden which supplies food to a local food pantry through a grant from Katie’s Krops.

For a brochure with a listing of activities, contact Country Meadows Montessori School at 847-244-9352 or visit www.cmmontessori.net.

CMMS campers clown around at one of the many activities offered.

theYOUjournal June 2015

15

Mayor Rockingham accepts challenge to end veteran homelessness in North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham of North Chicago joined fellow mayors and other local, state and federal leaders across the country in an initiative to end veteran homelessness in the community.

This “call to action” announced by First Lady Michelle Obama ignites the program for mayors to solidify partnerships and secure commitments to reach the ambitious goal.

“North Chicago is home to Naval Station Great Lakes, the exclusive training center for Navy recruits, and it is also home to the only combined Navy/VA Medical Center,” said Mayor Rockingham. “Because of this, we have a large veteran population and their well-being is of particular interest and importance.”

The City has already gained positive mo-

mentum in ending homelessness across the entire population in North Chicago. The city invests 100 percent of its federal HOME dollars and 40 percent of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars in rehabbing existing housing for low-income homeowners.

Moreover, the mayor said that nearly $4 million in federal, state and county funds are being invested in new or rehabbed affordable units in the City.

Mayor Rockingham was joined by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor; Midwest HUD Administrator Antonio Riley; and various stakeholders with similar interests during the recent kick-off event held at the North Chicago city council chambers.

Mayor Rockingham, left, listens as a local veteran speaks.

Mayor Leon Rockingham, left speaks at a veteran homelessness initiative. Antonio Riley, administrator of Midwest HUD is right. - photos courtesy of City of North Chicago

Printing company celebrates 25-years!

Adds new clothing line

By Long Hwa-shu Steve Stams, owner of Ink’n Tees in Waukegan, who started out 25 years ago printing T-shirts, has branched out into the apparel business, making what he describes as a line of “comfortable everyday lifestyle wear.”

“It’s been a very popular clothing line, sold mostly on line all over the world,” said Stams who began his business in 1990 in his one-car garage in Chicago with $126 after graduating from Lane Tech High School.

He used the money to buy a used printer and a dryer which are on display in the back room of his shop at as if to remind his humble beginning. Nearby is his pride and joy, a boat named “Life is Good,” which shows the American dream is achievable through hard work, vision and maybe good luck.

Stams, who moved to his current location at 2901Delany Road seven years ago, declined to divulge his sales last year, but that tiny initial investment, needless to say, has multiplied many, many times since.

He launched Jet Gear, the apparel business, two years ago, with Mike Brando, formerly of Gurnee, a designer. Jet Gear has two locations, one in Waukegan where Ink’n Tees is headquartered and the other in Los Angeles where his partner lives.

The clothing line carries Ink’n Tees’ company logo, an octopus. Jet Gear’s website is: www.getjetgear.com.

Stams said he decided to use octopus logo after it became increasingly popular with his customers who not only liked it but believed it could become a popular brand recognition which, in fact, has become so.

Despite his success with the new venture,

T-shirt printing remains a bread-butter business. Ink’n Tees which employs a dozen people, also custom-prints pens, mugs, shirts, jackets, bags and other promotional items.

He counts among his customers Abbvie, McDonald Corp., Northwestern University as well as some Fortune 500 companies.

His local clientele includes Advocate, YMCA and several area high schools.

“We’ve a good reputation. Our customers spread the word for us,” said Stams, who lives in Gurnee with his wife, Kim, and their two girls.

Ink ‘N Tees employees printing custom T-shirts, above.

Left, the company van painted with the purple octopus logo. You can’t miss it!

Below, a wall on the office of the busienss at 2901 Delany Road, Waukegan. photos courtesy of Ink ‘N Tees

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June 2015

theYOUjournal

As I See It...

Are You Kidding Me?

by Odie Pahl I ran across a story last week that I had to check out. According to PunditFact, a survey showed the cable network news programs were doing some sort of fabrication in their news reports the majority of the time.

I am not going to risk offending anyone by bringing attention to the biggest perpetrator, but let me just say it was 60+ percent for the worst and still only 20% for the most truthful.

When trying to find out about these statistics online I looked to a story from January 2015 at: http://www.politifact.com/ truth-o-meter/article/2015/jan/29/punditfact-checks-cable-news-channels/.

This is from PolitiFact.com, which is part of the Tampa Bay Times, Winner of a Pulitzer Prize (if you can believe that). They posted the story on May 27.

If you check out the link you can see how the top cable news compared. Fox and Fox News, MSNBC and NBC followed by CNN were specifically mentioned. It would be interesting to see how network news programs

fair, if checked.

Now, many people could see this survey and find a link to a political view of their liking. Whether you are conservative or liberal should not be the issue when it comes to fact checking no matter what cable network your prefer.

The real problem is the staggering numbers cited and the lack of concern by the public. I mean, I am all wound-up about it, but I am not hearing anyone else questioning what is going on. Does this upset anyone else?

When did it happen that the news was an opinion or considered just a political spin?

Isn’t that what editorials are for?

Now, you pick the nightly news by how you vote? Coming into freelancing late in my life, in a career-sense, I was naïve to the newspaper business. I have seen my share of reporters spinning a story to their own sensibilities or their employers favor.

A slant in one direction based on quotes that feature one side is not uncommon. However, I have never seen outright lying, unless I read one a tabloid at the local checkout

counter.

As all the news programs have become an endless cycle of the same stories, news bites, footage, and headlines packed into the same format as everyone else, I watch only one news program each morning. I refuse to get caught up with each different half-hour news team saying exactly the same thing, again.

Getting back to the survey, who cares what cable network is fabricating the news to suit their political agenda? Now, that I know this is commonplace I won’t be hanging on their every word anyway.

Yet, why is that okay? Lying is lying, regardless of how well we dress it up. What kind of standards are we setting for the world? What kind of role models are we for our kids? The rules of the game are thrown out and now anything goes? Are you kidding me?

Until next time…

Odie Pahl is a life-long resident of Lake County. She lives with her husband, Mike, in the Waukegan/Gurnee area where they raised two daughters. They now have two grandaughters. Odie has a BS in psychology. She is an avid writer and has written columns since 1998. You can visit her at: http://odiepahl.blogspot.com.

YWCA Lake County hosts annual IT Empowerment Day for GYRLS The YWCA Lake County TechGYRLS hosted its 9th Annual IT Empowerment Day for GYRLS Conference at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago recently.

The event provides Lake County elementary and middle school girls with a day that is devoted to their futures.

The conference introduced 100 girls from schools including John T. Magee Middle School and Round Lake Middle School; Prairie Trail Elementary School in Gurnee; Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago; Most Blessed Trinity in Waukegan; and Elmwood Elementary in Zion.

Participants spent the day learning about science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship and math (STEM), through various youth centered activities.

“The girls had the opportunity to experience hands-on STEM activities in a university setting. It’s like showing them what the career looks like while introducing them to the ‘going to college’ experience,” said

Gina Copen, director of youth and school age programs, YWCA Lake County.

They also got lessons about internet safety, engineering through bridge building, human pathology, and physical therapy.

Girls took part in hands-on activities, and hearing dialogue from professionals and students currently in the field while touring a local university campus.

Speakers were Janice Bennett, president and CEO of YWCA Lake County; Dr. Judith Stoecker, vice-president of academic affairs and associate professor of the department of physical therapy at Rosalind Franklin University Medical School (RFUMS); Jennifer Saviano, youth development specialist of

YWCA Lake County; and the keynote address was given by Sahithi Pamarthy, Ph.D. candidate of the department of microbiology and immunology at RFUMS. Special guest was Roycealee Wood, regional superintendnet of Lake County schools.

Sessions were led by volunteer students and staff from RFUMS, students from Waukegan High School, AOEC and the Chicago Police Department.

The YWCA TechGYRLS serves over 400 girls annually through various after school, in-school programs as well as camps, robotics teams and this annual conference.

TechGYRLS are currently registering for Summer Camp 2015. Camp is June 15 to August 7, and is located at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waukegan from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday –Friday (except the holiday). Each two-week session is $20 per girl, and scholarships are Left, Janice Bennett, president and CEO of the YWCA Lake County welcomes girls to the conference.

Elementary and middle school girls got to test their physical abilities at the annual GYRLS empowerment program.

-Photos by Gina Copen for YWCA Lake County

available based on need.

For more information contact Gina Copen at 224-489-3045 or email her at copeng@ywcalakecountyil.org.

theYOUjournal

June 2015

17

Annual Plant Sale a Dream for Gardeners byTina Johansson A light morning drizzle added a welcome misting for more than 2,000 plants available at the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale in Grayslake.

Hundreds of green thumbs milled about the grounds of the University Illinois Extension of Lake County, filling cardboard boxes and plastic sleds. There was everything to make a garden pretty and tasty including blackberries, fig trees, Siberian irises and lilies.

“We do it every year and it’s grown to be an exciting thing,” said Kim Isaacson, horticulture program coordinator. “It’s a good way to get the gardeners to buy local.”

Master gardeners from the Extension were asked to dig up extra plants from their own backyards, pot and label them, and be on hand to help out at the sale.

Some of the master gardeners called “MG’s” for short, offered lessons on butterfly gardening. Others sold beneficial praying mantis egg cases and explained the uses for them.

Others helped shoppers with large patio pots, garden hoses and rakes under a tent called “garden treasures.” Maps were handed out for other county events coinciding with the plant sale, including one in Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve, and another at Prairie Crossing in Grayslake.

Members from the Milburn Clovers 4-H Club, and their parents held a bake sale for gardeners with a hankering for sweets.

Proceeds raised from the sale of plants and garden gear help support programs the Extension service has throughout the year, said Isaacson. Those include school and community programs and clinics. Generally several thousand dollars are raised from the annual sale, she added. A recent sale netted nearly $6,000 for the Extension.

Current the MG’s from the Extension service are working with Lake County at their new Libertyville facility to help create a rain garden, said Isaacson.

If you missed out on the annual plant sale, don’t despair. You still have time to attend the Master Gardener Fall Bulb Sale July 13 to September 13.

For more information on how you can get spring-blooming flower bulbs, contact the University of Illinois Extension Lake County at 847.223.8627.

Hundreds of gardeners took advantage of the annual University of Illinois Extension plant sale in Grayslake. They loaded boxes and pulled plastic sleds with plants of all kinds from berry bushes to flowering plants. - photos by Tina Johansson

Debbie Hoselton of Gurnee has some milkweed plants and her Tibetan spaniel named “Goody Two Shoes” in tow.

Above, members of the Millburn Clovers 4-H Club sell home-baked goodies during the annual plant sale.

Right, a gardener checks out various pots and planters at under the Garden Treasures tent.

Gurnee Park District to attempt to break record for largest simultaneous swim lesson June 18 On June 18 Gurnee Park District and tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the sixth year in a row to set a new Guinness World Record™. The global record attempt for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), will take place at 10 am CST

(11am ET, 8 am PT.) Team WLSL holds the current Guinness World Record™ for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, which stands at 36,564 participants representing 22 different countries! The 2014 WLSL event generated more than 50 million + media impressions, spread-

ing the event’s important message to hundreds of thousands of families.

Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of unintended injury related death for children ages 1-5, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14. Research shows participation in formal

swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1 to 4.

Gurnee Park District will be serving as an official Host Location Facility for the WLSL event at FitNation indoor pool, 1655 Nations Drive in Gurnee. The event is free.

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June 2015

theYOUjournal

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES HIGHWOOD FESTIVAL DAYS JUNE 26-28 Carnival rides, games, food, drinks, live music and more!

Highwood Festival Days will be held June 26-28, according to the Highwood Chamber of Commerce.

In its 47th year, the three day family festival will be held in Highwood’s Metra Lot, where attendees can enjoy carnival rides live music, food and drinks for parents and kids of all ages.

Rain or shine, the festival will go Friday, June 26th from 5-11pm, Saturday, June 27th from 1-11pm, and Sunday, June 27th from19pm. Special ‘unlimited ride wristbands’ will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 1-5pm for $25 per person, per day. There will also be a Mega Pass, good for the entire three days, available for $75. Individual ride tickets will be available for purchase every day. Guests can expect an array of foods and drinks and a beer truck too!

Highwood Festival Days will feature a daily lineup of great local performers including: • Friday, June 26:

8-10:30 p.m. - Uptown Six - Classic rock cover band • Saturday, June 27: 3-5 p.m. - Serendipity - All girl band from the Chicago suburbs 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Rally Day - Classic rock cover band 8-10:30 p.m. - Davidson County Band - High-energy Country cover band • Sunday, June 28: 3-5 p.m. - Pirates Over 40 - Jimmy Buffett cover band, with eclectic mix of classic rock & oldies 6-8:30 p.m. - Stayin’ Late - Classic rock cover band The Highwood Chamber of Commerce offers an assortment of family festivals and events throughout the year that are sure to please all.

For more information, please visit www.celebratehighwood.com or call the Highwood Chamber of Commerce at 847.433.2100.

A past Highwood Festival featuring carnival rides, games and food. - photo http:// celebratehighwood.com/highwood-days/

Jammin’ in Jens Jensen Park to Debut Summer Concert Series Free live music, Saturdays 11am-2pm, June-August The public is invited to enjoy free live music this summer at the inaugural season of Jammin’ in Jens Jensen Park.

Located at 486 Roger Williams Avenue in the Ravinia District in Highland Park, these historic grounds are the perfect setting for families to come enjoy time together in the great outdoors.

Launching Saturday June 6th, the concert series will go from 11am-2pm weekly, through the end of August (except July 4th), weather permitting, featuring an eclectic mix of world, folk, and jazz musicians. Families are encouraged to visit one of the many local foodservice establishments in the Ravinia District for a picnic in the park.

“We look forward to this being the first of many musical summers at Jens Jensen Park, expanding cultural arts appreciation throughout the community,” says Noah Plotkin, event coordinator and owner of Life Rhythms, Inc. “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.

In the spirit of Jens Jensen, “Everyone is entitled to a home where the sun, the stars, open fields, giant trees, and smiling flowers are free to teach an undisturbed lesson of life.”

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: June 6th 11:00 a.m. Life Rhythms Drum Circle, bring a drum from home if you have one!

12:45 p.m. Jimmy Keane & Pat Broaders present traditional Irish music.

July 25th 11:00 a.m. Jordi Kleiner & Friends combine rock, folk, Irish, blues, and string music.

June 13th 11:00 a.m. Katie O’Shea sings and plays Irish music on the harp.

12:45 p.m. John Benischek sings and plays folk music on the guitar.

August 8th 11:00 a.m. Radio Free Honduras playing Latin Folk music.

12:45 p.m. Akasha with a 70’s authentic reggae sound.

June 20th 11:00 a.m. Dean Milano Band plays folk and alternative country music.

August 15th 11:00 a.m. Off The Wagon playing acoustic country and jazz.

12:45 p.m. Don Stiernberg Trio playing mandolin jazz music.

June 27th 11:00 a.m. The Headlands play 60’s and 70’s World Funk Groove.

12:45 p.m. Fareed Haque & Mathgames play a fusion of electronic and jazz music.

July 11th 11:00 a.m. String Theory plays acoustic music from the 50’s up to present day.

July 18th 11:00 a.m. Jared Rabin playing a variety of music genres on numerous instruments.

August 1st 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 22nd 11:00 a.m. Open Mic 12:45 p.m. Neal Alger Trio playing jazz music.

August 29th 11:00 a.m. Departure playing covers of The Grateful Dead’s hit songs.

American Cancer Society Seeks Teams for Relay For Life The American Cancer Society is recruiting teams from businesses, schools, families, places of worship, and more to participate in the Relay For Life of Greater Waukegan/Far North Shore event. The event turns 16 this year and will be held Saturday, June 20 from 3:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Bevier Park in Waukegan. Relay For Life teams are committed to finishing the fight against cancer and raise funds to support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission.

Local cancer survivors and their caregivers are honored with a reception starting at 3:30 p.m. The first celebratory lap including cancer survivors and caregivers will start directly following the Opening Ceremonies at 5 p.m. “We want people to realize that a cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer,” said Jane Ferry, member of the Event Leadership Team and Relay participant. “It’s really a celebration when this sea of purple-shirted survivors walk the track, cheered on by other event participants. We’re hoping to have over 100 survivors walking this year.” The five-year survival rate for all cancers has risen to 68%, and there are an estimated 14 million Americans alive today who have been diagnosed with the disease. Cancer survivors and caregivers can take part by visiting www.RelayForLife.org/WaukeganIL or calling Sarah Kwak at 847-317-0209.

This family-friendly event directly serves the communities of Beach Park, North Chicago, Park City, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor and Zion and is free and open to the public.

theYOUjournal June

2015

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The Remarkable Woman Next Door

by Jay William Stephen

L

ong before the fanfare of what it is today, my grandfather would take me to Navy Pier. I grew up in Chicago during the 70’s, and coming here was the thing to do.

The configuration of Grand Avenue at the lakefront was different then. Fried shrimp from Rocky and Son’s shrimp house at the pier is a tasty memory.

I used to look out and see the Chicago Lighthouse while walking along eating out of a brown bag of shrimp with my grandfather.

He always told me that a man worked and lived in the lighthouse, but I never believed him.

One day somewhere in my teen years I was on the pier with friends, and to my amazement I saw a single man rowing out towards the lighthouse. When I returned home later to tell my grandfather the news, it lit up his face with a familiar smile as if it was a threshold that I crossed in life.

Like many I have always been amazed by

I often ride her waters either by fishing charters or on casual vessels through my line of work and listen to the many stories from those who have traveled her waters. There is a common love from the captains who navigate her and a respect for her fury.

I brought my nephew Grayson on the Lake who lives with Lissencephaly, a disease that leaves him speechless, very little sight and in a wheelchair.

We rolled Grayson and other family members onto kind, good friend Gary’s boat so I could share with them what I love about the lady lake and the secrets she holds.

The voyage turned out to be a day that I would never forget. My nephew’s terrible seizures that occur many times during any given day, seemed to disappear. It was as if the lady of the lake took the pain away from him; and at the same time all of us benefited by the boy’s tranquil look, as he seemed to stare out at her as if he was communicating through the calm summer breeze.

There is a list of events that I have in my mind that are memories that stick and hold

My sister Carol Ann Combs and her son Grayson enjoying a calming boat ride on Lake Michigan. Remarkably, the ride on the water seems to stop my nephew’s seizures. -Photos by Jay Stephen

The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse on the turquoise blue water with a backdrop of the Chicago skyline. I remember this place well from my childhood.

the giant body of water that has been to my east all of my life.

The lake has long been my inspirattion, particuarly for my photography. I seem to have always gravitated toward her like a cat to catnip. In fact I can’t seem to get away from her grasp.

I consider myself lucky to live across from the lake off Sheridan Road in Waukegan.

Each morning brings a lake breeze as if it were a gentle kiss by a beautiful woman, or a cold blast from her dominance depending on the day or the season.

I often run or bike her shores weekly and share the seasons change with her and often see her anger surface as she shows who is boss. I have seen her dormant as she is frozen over but still beautiful as ever as if she is hiding till she sheds her ice in the spring.

The sun shines on her surface by day and the moon glimmers on her dark blue waves at night.

“

I seem to have always gravitated toward her like a cat to catnip.

In fact I can’t seem to get away from her grasp.” - Jay Stephen Captain Rick “Punch” White giving us a boat ride on the peaceful lake.

special and that was added to the top.

Two summers ago I was on a trip on Gary’s boat from Waukegan to Chicago for the Chicago Air Show. We cruised the whole shoreline passing the beautiful North Shore into Chicago. When we came up to Navy Pier I looked and saw the Chicago Lighthouse from the opposite side.

I just stared at it and it brought me back to my grandfathers familiar smile so I pulled

out my Nikon and captured the moment so I too can look at it and remember where it all began--the day I got to know this remarkable woman.

Jay Stephen of Waukegan grew up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, raised by his Sicilian grandfather. Stephen is known for his stunning photographs, many featuring places he knows. He is also a freelance writer melding his childhood and the present into fascinating, true stories that often end with a heartfelt message.

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June 2015

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